Regarding the March 4 Associated Press story on the growth of bartering nationwide, the barter industry has a presence right here in the Pioneer Valley.

In 2006, Highland Valley Elder Services introduced CitizensMatch, a business-to-business trade exchange where the proceeds expand elderly care. The model is simple; an individual volunteers to help an elder, such as providing valuable transportation, running an errand or fixing things around the house. That individual is rewarded with Citizen Dollars that can be redeemed with any of the 16 businesses participating in the program. Said businesses then spend their earned Citizen Dollars among themselves to fulfill business and personal needs. Not only does CitizensMatch keep business local, but the member businesses benefit from gaining new customers who will most likely return to make cash purchases. It is no surprise that in these recessionary times more and more people are turning to bartering. It is especially true in these times (when budget cuts have resulted in a wait list for home care services) that now is the time to think and act creatively. We are currently looking for community-minded businesses to join our expanding trading platform. By reaching the ideal number of 100 businesses trading, we will have the ability to distribute Citizen Dollar grants to elders on the waiting list, thus giving them the ability to pay for the home care services they so desperately need.

Anyone who would like more information on CitizensMatch should call Highland Valley Elder Services.

Elizabeth M. Haire

Highland Valley Elder Services