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Longtime Barter Industry Leader Opens Barter Business Unlimited In Bristol, Connecticut

Debbie Lombardi Brings Years of Expertise, Innovation & Passion For Barter Commerce To New Venture

(Bristol, Connecticut) -- Debbie Lombardi, a certified trader broker and veteran entrepreneur in the barter industry, has announced the official opening of her new venture, Barter Business Unlimited, Inc. (BBU). Within weeks, the new company has attracted hundreds of clients nationwide that are seeking to increase sales, build customer loyalty and tap into new markets while conserving needed cash.

“During these tumultuous economic times, Barter Business Unlimited is helping companies to actually expand sales and conserve cash,” said Lombardi, president and founder of Barter Business Unlimited. “Our trade consultants work with business owners to create new sales, trade inventory and services -- while minimizing cash outlays for everyday business expenses. Barter Business Unlimited helps companies to gain a competitive edge as we are part of a dynamic network of independent trade exchanges that link local businesses with tens of thousands of potential new customers.”

Barter or trade is a powerful tool that represents a solution for companies with available inventory or services. By accepting payment in trade dollars instead of cash, a business maximizes its efficiency by increasing inventory turnover or billable hours. Using the trade dollars earned, that company can purchase goods or services such as for advertising, travel or office improvements without paying cash. "Debbie has the confidence of hundreds of local businesses. I know she will be a great success and I'm happy that Goodwin College is a member," said Mark Sheinberg, president, Goodwin College, East Hartford, Connecticut (www.goodwin.edu).

“I am happy to see Debbie back in the barter industry. I’ve had the pleasure of doing business with her and she is dynamic trade broker. Through Barter Business Unlimited, she offers a great service to businesses of all types and sizes. Especially during tougher economic times, barter is a great way to increase your business and improve your productivity,” said John J. Leone, Jr., president/CEO, Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Bristol, Connecticut (www.bristol-chamber.org).

Lombardi has been a barter industry leader for more than 25 years and has become one of the top business consultants about barter and business management resources. She is the former president of the National Association of Trade Exchanges and a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global network of more than 6,600 business owners in 38 countries. “It’s great to see Debbie doing what she does best. I wish I had half the energy level she has,” said James Varano, owner, Black-eyed Sally’s BBQ & Blues, Hartford, Connecticut (www.blackeyedsallys.com).

According to the International Reciprocal Trade Association, more than 470,000 companies in the United States actively participate in barter resulting in more than $12 billion in annual sales. More than 65 percent of the corporations listed in the New York Stock Exchange are using barter to reduce surplus inventory, bolster sales and ensure that production facilities run at near capacity. “Debbie is a true innovator and has a wealth of knowledge about our industry. It’s exciting to see her back along with her valuable ideas about customer service and expanding the role of barter in our economy today,” said Tom McDowell, executive director, National Association of Trade Exchanges, Mentor, Ohio (www.nate.org).

Ed Silverstein, owner, Shear Success, Newington, Connecticut (www.shearsuccess.com) said, “I am extremely happy to be working with Debbie and the BBU staff. I have been using barter for more than 16 years and have been able to make improvements to my hair salon, such as having walls painted and flooring installed. I’ve also been able to take an Alaskan cruise, go whitewater rafting and go with my wife on a hot-air balloon ride by using the barter network.”

With offices based in Bristol, Connecticut, Barter Business Unlimited, Inc., is a proud member of the Universal Currency, Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Trade Executives and the International Reciprocal Trade Association. To hear more about the barter industry and BBU, visit www.blogtalkradio.com/bartertoday. Linkedin.com and Facebook users can also join barter industry user groups. For more information about Barter Business Unlimited, visit www.bbubarter.com.