BancMarc Returns: Virginia’s Oldest Barter Exchange Reclaims Its Original Name

Richmond, VA — September 3rd, 2025 —

One of Virginia’s longest-standing business resources is getting back to its roots. After decades operating as The Barter Authority, the company is reintroducing its original name — BancMarc — to better reflect what modern barter can do for today’s business owners. BancMarc is coined from the core tenets of the company: Banking – More Money; Marketing – More Direct Marketing Exposure.

Founded in Richmond more than 45 years ago as BancMarc, the company expanded when it acquired The Barter Authority in Virginia Beach. Over time, the name stuck. Now, the exchange is
reclaiming its original brand to highlight the benefits of professional barter and move away from the “old-timey” image many people still associate with the word.

“Barter used to mean swapping one item for another — a chicken for a sack of grain,” said Bill Meacham, President of BancMarc. “But today’s professional barter exchange works more like a bank for businesses. Members earn Trade Dollars when they sell their goods or services, and then spend those credits anywhere in our network, from advertising and printing to computers and travel. It’s modern, it’s IRS-approved, and it helps businesses grow. One-to-one trading is Stone-Age barter compared to Professional barter; it’s like a pencil and a piece of paper compared to a computer.”

With members across industries — including restaurants, contractors, business services, and more — BancMarc helps companies by filling excess time or inventory to generate Trade Dollars, save cash by purchasing products and services within the network, and gain valuable marketing exposure for their businesses. The exchange also offers travel opportunities and global buying power through international partnerships.

The rebrand comes complete with a newly designed logo and website, a revamp of marketing materials breaking down how the system works, and a new standalone Marketplace platform for members to buy and sell items. With a return to its original name, the mission hasn’t changed: to give Virginia’s business owners a smarter way to grow, prosper, and build lasting relationships.