Paul Suplizio reports on progress in carrying out decisions of the
Paris Conference of IRTA/Europe and the Eurasian Assembly.
Pan-European Trade Network Envisioned
First, we are making good progress to incorporate IRTA/Europe as a
legal non-governmental organization within the European Union.
Following the recommendation of the Paris Conference, the Global
Board of Directors of IRTA approved this action, and as soon as
incorporation is complete we will proceed immediately to the next
step, which is to apply for an EU grant to provide financial and
technical support for integration and expansion of Europe�s barter
networks as a business innovation initiative.
We intend to engage the grant-application process as soon as
possible to get IRTA/Europe off to a good start by an infusion of
capital and technical assistance to help existing trade companies
expand, help new start-ups grow, and help link our networks through
the new UC euro trading platform that is now operational. We also
hope by this means to encourage all barter companies in Europe and
Asia to come into IRTA and stand alongside your colleagues to build
a great trade network spanning two continents and rivaling that of
our forbears of the Hanse.
Barter companies in Europe who have been standing on the sidelines,
and thus far have not joined our concerted actions to advance our
common industry, now have one more good reason to join IRTA/Europe
and help bring the vision of a pan-European trade network to
fruition. Standing aside will retard an advance your company can
greatly benefit from, for the Pan-European Trade Network will be
owned by members of IRTA/Europe and you will have a deciding voice,
as a member of the Governing Board, in how its benefits will be
shared. Make no mistake about it, this grant money will be for you,
and you will decide how it will be allocated.
I
am sorry to report that Alina Piddubna, Managing Director of Bartex
in Kiev, Ukraine has taken on higher responsibilities and will be
unable to continue guiding the EU incorporation project. Alina
deserves our thanks for her efforts in pushing this project so far,
and I am happy to report that Dariusz Brzozowiec of Barter Systems
Poland has volunteered to replace Alina in directing this project.
Dariusz will work with Dori Szabo, President of GlobalXchange in
Budapest, who has already laid the groundwork to advance the project
and the grant application as soon as articles of incorporation are
completed.
Second, responding to Europe�s desire for a euro trading platform
for inter-company trades, IRTA Executive Director and UC Director
Ron Whitney reports that the UC euro platform is now open for
business. Trades may now be completed in UC euros and balances held
in UC euros. The Universal Currency system, owned by IRTA members,
is the world�s foremost trading platform for trades among barter
companies with different currencies and is readily accessible on the
internet. Thus, the infrastructure for a pan-European trade network
is now in place, and we must thank Ron for giving this project a
high priority upon his return from Paris.
Third, the IRTA Global Board of Directors has approved a letter to
Commissioner Michel Barnier, Directorate General of Internal Market
and Services, European Commission, requesting that trade
clearinghouses be exempt from regulations dealing with financial
clearinghouses, and cautioning that some parts of regulations
dealing with financial clearinghouses may be construed as applying
to trade clearinghouses. This letter was previously approved by IRTA/Europe
and Assembly members at the Paris Conference on May 2. It will be
signed jointly by the President of IRTA and the Chairman of IRTA/Europe.
Fourth, we are seeking proposals for a location for the next meeting
of IRTA/Europe and the Assembly of Barter Companies of Europe and
Asia, tentatively scheduled for April 16-17 or April 30-May 1, 2011.
We have already a proposal from Dori Szabo to hold the meeting in
Budapest, Milan and Florence are interested, and if anyone else
wishes to make a proposal, we shall be glad to hear from you.
Remember that, as a member of the Governing Board of IRTA/Europe (or
of the Assembly for non-IRTA members), you may bring up any matter
at any time and ask that it be brought before the whole body for
discussion and possible adoption. All of us think about our
industry, its place in the worldwide scheme of things, and how we
can improve our profession. When you have an idea to share, or a
proposal to make, remember you may place it before the group at any
time simply by contacting me, your Secretary. Should you wish my
advice, I am always happy to respond.
Finally, recall that each of you, as an IRTA/Europe member, has a
seat and vote on the Governing Board and that all decisions are made
by the Governing Board alone. The only officer positions of IRTA/Europe
at present are the Chairman of the Governing Board and the Treasurer
� the latter position having been filled in Paris.
After all nominations are received for Chairperson, I shall write
you again to inform you of the persons nominated. At that time I
will ask you to vote by e-mail for one person from the list of
nominees. The person receiving the most votes will be deemed
elected, provided no objection is made to this manner of election.
PAUL E. SUPLIZIO
Member, Global Board of Directors (for Europe)
International Reciprocal Trade Association
Secretary to the Assembly