This was our largest issue published, 160 pages, with much of it devoted to a most energizing subject, travel! A wide variety of travel was covered…from bartering for cruises on ocean-going sailboats on up to the major cruise lines. We took an in-depth look at home exchanges, including contacts for 10 companies providing such services. Also detailed was how to barter for a vacation home.

Our principal interview was with Heidi Otto, founder of a company that specializes in villa and condominium rentals and barter services. As a member of six barter companies she explained how she uses her barter.

John Kamin, a consulting economist, authored an exceptional article listing 25 ways to improve one’s lifestyle through better and easier negotiating regarding real estate. We also lifted the curtain on a niche market—bartering for the professional speaker.

A fine Napa Valley winery was a big barterer, so we sent two of our staff to personally visit it and report how they successfully trade their wine. Countertrade received it due in this special issue, too, through our look at the banks emerging role in the international way of doing business.

Paul Durand, our gemstone expert and gemcutter, offered our readers more excellent advice on a little understood subject of gems. And we reported on Univex, the world’s first international barter exchange, and how 34 clients each committed $500,000 in products and services to get the company off the ground.

In this issue the first-ever article appeared on the newly formed National Association of Trade Exchanges (NATE), including their first meeting and the goals of the new association. Adjacent to that article was the story about IRTA (the International Reciprocal Trade Association) asking Congress for self-regulatory powers.

All the issues of BarterNews are now available in digital format: Digital

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