Barter Happenings Here & There

• International Monetary Systems (OTCBB:INLM) has drawn $565,000 from its recent funding commitment of $1.2 million. CEO Don Mardak used the funds for the company�s most recent acquisition, Trade Exchange of the Rockies. For more information go to www.internationalmonetary.com.
   

• New prospects for trade exchanges�new business startups�in the U.S. numbered 611,000 in 2005, according to the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City (MO). Additionally, the Census Bureau reports that among small businesses in the U.S. (which typically are members of a trade exchange) 18.6 million are without outside employees, 3.9 million have fewer than five employees, and 1.4 million have six to nine employees.
   

• The National Association of Trade Exchanges (NATE) is offering an early 20% discount rate, if payment is made by April 30, for its upcoming Toronto 2006 convention. The event is scheduled for August 10-12, at the Delta Chelsea Hotel. For details on discounts and online registration check out www.nate.org.
   

• Michael Touma, Managing Director for Business Barter Exchange (BBX), reports that their stock hit an all time high on April 11, at 30-cents per share. The company has also lodged a prospectus with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission to raise substantial income for the BBX Property Investment Fund. For more information see www.ebbx.com.