PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release  “Beverly Towne has New Money in Town – and it’s FREE!”
Thank you for this terrific picture! "Is Barter Better?" by Melanie Franner LETS Edmonton - Official Website Barter System Resources FREE Registration Now Beverly Towne Barters Register Now Is Barter Better? Resource Information Definition Key	Edmonton – June 19, 2001:  The Beverly Towne Community Development Society is excited to announce its sponsorship of the not-for-profit Edmonton LETS Barter Community.  “LETS” is an acronym for “Local Exchange and Trading Society” and is the basis for a community development plan that helps low-income individuals and families trade for products and services they might otherwise not be able to afford.    Barter has gained significant international attention from individuals and companies over the past decade.  Just before the turn of the century, barter represented over *$50-million annually within Canada.  In the U.S., that number was well into the billions of dollars. *Source: http://canjewel.polygon.net/docs/august97/barter.html      Obviously, barter trade pre-dates the monetary system – national currencies only arrived when trading pigs for a house became too cumbersome.   National currency facilitated industrialization, which in turn created many jobs; however, the centralization of the monetary system has served to centralize the benefits of the system as well.
Community barter recognizes that every person has something to give, helps build self-esteem and adds dignity to charity.  Individuals who join the Edmonton LETS barter network can realize an increase in their spending power.  And business members will have Free advertising from their listings in the Barter Bulletin, and can gain new customers as a result.    Remarkably, Edmonton LETS features free registration that includes a credit of 100 Talents (equivalent to $100 Canadian currency).  It also hosts monthly potluck social and trade nights, and prints regular issues of the Barter Bulletin to publish members inventory items.  This service is under the administration of the Beverly Towne Community Development Society – its administrator is Bobbi Onisimchuk.  Ms. Onisimchuk coaches members and people considering joining, and helps businesses determine how this Barter Community will assist with business growth.  The in-house barter accountant also helps businesses set up barter accounts within their accounting systems.  In the near future, Community Coordinators will be located in each quadrant of Edmonton and will meet monthly as the board of directors.     Edmonton LETS next potluck social is on Wednesday, June 27, 2001 at the Beacon Heights Community League Hall (4418 – 118 Avenue, Edmonton).  Participants are being asked to bring a supper/dinner serving enough for a family of four.  Please contact the administration office at 477-6333 for the invitation notice - Everyone is welcome to join us.  For more information, please contact: Colleen Fidler - LETS Administrator Phone:  (780) 477-6333 - Fax:  (780) 479-3246 email:  info@BeverlyTowne.com