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Trade Network and Midwest Business Exchange Unite, Creating a Larger, Stronger Michigan Barter Network

Writer: Trade Network
Trade Network
Oct 12
3 min read


We are excited to share some important news about the future of Trade Network. Trade Network and Midwest Business Exchange are joining forces as one trade exchange.

The combination unites two long-standing Michigan barter networks, roughly doubles the size of the membership, and expands trading opportunities for businesses across mid and west Michigan.

A Longstanding Partnership Becomes One Network


MBE, based in Kalamazoo and operating since 1980, and Trade Network, established in 1991 to serve the Lansing and Grand Rapids markets, have maintained a reciprocal trading relationship for decades. Members of both exchanges have already traded millions of dollars with one another. The decision to fully combine the networks creates clear benefits for members of both organizations while supporting sustainable growth in trade volume.


Benefits for Members of Both Exchanges


Trade Network members gain access to additional businesses in Kalamazoo and southwest Michigan, including expanded options in construction, restaurants and lodging, media, wholesale products, building materials, and other categories. MBE members gain access to a larger mid-Michigan network, additional brokers, and more businesses available for both earning and spending trade dollars.


Across the combined network, members benefit from:


  • More businesses to trade with and more places to spend trade dollars

  • A deeper bench of experienced brokers from both organizations

  • Greater geographic coverage across mid and west Michigan

  • Expanded options in categories that have sometimes been harder to fill on trade, including construction services, media, wholesale products, vehicles, tools, and appliances


Over the next several weeks, member listings from both exchanges will appear on the shared platform. Members of either network will be able to browse and trade with the expanded directory. New opportunities will also be highlighted in email updates.


Combined Broker Support


Members of the combined network will be supported by brokers from both organizations: Rhea, Mandi, Omar Towghi, Daniel, and Evan Kay. Each brings established relationships and marketplace experience. Additional brokers are expected to join as the network grows. Staff at either the Trade Network or Kalamazoo office can assist with account questions.


What Remains Unchanged


Your trade balances and membership fees stay exactly the same—no surprises, no changes to what you already have. Existing logins continue to work, and both the Trade Network and Kalamazoo offices remain open and ready to help. We answer to both Midwest Business Exchange and Trade Network, and all emails, phone numbers, and contact methods stay fully active. Leadership continues in place, and the focus remains on serving members and growing trade opportunities together.


This combination is about expanding what’s possible while protecting everything that already works well for you.


Frequently Asked Questions

No. Balances and fees remain exactly the same for both Trade Network and MBE members. Nothing about your existing account changes.

MBE members are moving onto Trade Network’s system—a significant upgrade in technology and capabilities. Everyone is receiving activation emails to get started. If you need access sooner, you can request a password reset link anytime (available 24/7) or simply contact us and we’ll help you get in. Once activated, you can start trading with the full combined network right away.

Yes. Members can begin trading with each other as soon as their accounts are activated. We recommend connecting with your broker if you have questions, want help finding specific opportunities, or would like to set up a referral connection. The full transition will take some time as listings and details are integrated, but the ability to trade is available now.

Reach out to your existing broker, or contact either the Trade Network or Kalamazoo (MBE) office. Staff from both locations can help with accounts, trading questions, or setting up introductions across the network.

There is no news on a future name change at this time. We answer to both Midwest Business Exchange and Trade Network, and both names remain fully active—along with all existing emails, phone numbers, and contact methods. Stay tuned for any updates in 2027.

This is the exciting part—tell us! With the combined network, there’s a much better chance we already have (or can quickly connect you with) what you’re looking for, from construction and media to restaurants, wholesale goods, vehicles, tools, and more. Call your broker or either office and we’ll help you put your trade dollars to work. New members from the other side of the network are also discovering businesses they’ve never traded with before—yours could be next.

The combination gives members of both Trade Network and Midwest Business Exchange a larger, more connected marketplace while keeping the relationships, balances, and service you already count on. Additional updates will be shared as the networks continue to come together.

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