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Some business stories are rooted in profit. Others are rooted in purpose. For Debbi, CEO of Cornerstone Initiative, her journey has always been about people and serving those in need.
Growing up in the mountains of Kentucky, Debbi saw poverty firsthand. That early experience shaped her passion to serve those who struggle most. She first came to Cornerstone as an administrative assistant, but by 2016 she had stepped into the CEO role, a calling she shares with her husband, who also has a deep heart for those living on the margin.
Together, they work to connect people of affluence with those in need, building bridges of hope and opportunity. “Watching lives be transformed surprises me every day,” Debbi says. “It’s such a blessing.”
Debbi’s introduction to Tradebank came through Trent Heard with Redhawk Pest Control. At first, she admits, she didn’t quite understand how it worked. “Why would anyone just give us their trade dollars?”. It wasn’t until Cornerstone
was planning a major fundraiser that things clicked. Trent offered to sponsor a cornhole tournament team using Tradebank dollars. That moment opened Debbi’s eyes to the power of barter in action.
Since then, Cornerstone has used Tradebank in creative and meaningful ways, from helping graduates of their program with small but impactful gifts, to taking pastors, board members, and donors out for coffee or a meal without dipping into precious donor dollars.
One of the most powerful benefits Debbi has found in Tradebank is the ability to reimagine how resources are used. “We’ve even changed our bookkeeping system to add trade dollars to our ledger,” she explains. “It gives us additional revenue to accomplish our goals in ways that are ‘out of the box.’”
Graduation gifts for participants with perfect attendance, small gifts for program graduates, or even meals with supporters—all have been made possible through barter. “It’s sweet to bless people without tapping into
donor funds,” Debbi adds. While Tradebank helps offset expenses and stretch resources, Debbi believes the deeper value lies in relationships. Through Tradebank, she has connected with other business leaders serving in their Faith & Finance Program. Her broker has also stepped in with support for Cornerstone’s yearly events, proving that Tradebank membership is rooted in community involvement and efforts.
For business owners who may be skeptical about bartering, Debbi’s advice is simple: keep an open mind. “Trade is a gift. It stretches your resources, helps you bless others,

Debbi Akers has been serving as the Executive Director of The CornerStone Initiative since September, 2016 and has been a team member at CornerStone since 2013.
and builds relationships that you might never have had otherwise.” If she had to highlight one benefit of Tradebank, it would be exactly that: the ability to bless and impact people without straining cash flow.
Cornerstone’s mission is to empower lives, restore hope, and connect communities. With Tradebank as a partner, Debbi has found another tool to advance that mission. One that’s practical, creative, and relational.
Do you know someone with a nonprofit in the Huntsville area? Submit a referral today or get in touch with Lisa Smith, owner of
Tradebank Huntsville at lsmith@tradebank.com.
Visit Tradebank Huntsville online: tradebank.com/locations/huntsville

Written by Lisa Smith Regional Owner of Tradebank of Huntsville

Consider sending a trade dollar donation to The CornerStone Initiative
Trade dollar donations are a fantastic way to give back to our Tradebank community.

“Our Tradebank Huntsville Community loves the opportunity to support local nonprofits. And Debbi tells the story perfectly!” - Lisa Smith
When nonprofit leader Kimberly Mills joined Tradebank, she expected to save cash. What she found was something far more valuable: a nationwide family of business owners ready to support her mission.
For Kimberly Mills, Executive Director of Sweet J’s Clubhouse and Co-Founder of the Urban Equine Connection Program (UECP), the journey into the world of business bartering began with curiosity but evolved into something much deeper. Now, nearly two years into her dual role as both a Tradebank member and broker, she’s discovered that the real currencies of Tradebank are both trade dollars and human connection.
“The biggest benefit has been the word-of-mouth advertising,”
Kimberly explains, her enthusiasm evident as she describes how Tradebank has expanded her nonprofit’s reach far beyond Atlanta.
“You’re expanded out to so many cities, so many states. Everyone in the Tradebank family knows who you are.”
For a nonprofit that’s been actively operating for just two years (though officially running for four), this national exposure has been transformative. Sweet J’s Clubhouse, which provides grief counseling and
Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel!
support services to children who have lost their parents, has received three to four substantial donations through the network—not just small contributions, but meaningful support that makes a real difference in their mission.
Perhaps the most touching example of Tradebank’s tangible impact came during one of the organization’s darkest moments. When Sweet J’s Clubhouse unexpectedly lost a 16-year-old member to illness, the grief was overwhelming. But at a Tradebank mixer, when Kimberly shared this loss, a member company called Balloon Therapy immediately

stepped forward to offer support. “They were immediately willing to offer balloon support and therapy,” Kimberly recalls. “It was very, very amazing. It’s really a family.”
This spontaneous act of kindness exemplifies what Kimberly has come to love about the Tradebank community. At mixers and networking events, she has discovered that members genuinely do care about each other’s success and challenges. “You can see in their heads they’re trying to figure out what avenues or ways they can help you, who they can connect you with.”
For nonprofits, the Tradebank model offers unique advantages. Even members who can’t participate locally with Sweet J’s Clubhouse can contribute through donations or spread awareness about the organization’s work. With over 4,000 businesses in the network and expansion continuing internationally, the potential for support and collaboration continues to grow. Kimberly’s dual perspective—as both a member organization and a broker—gives her unique insight into the network’s value. She’s so convinced of Tradebank’s benefits that she chose to become a broker herself, helping other businesses discover what she found: a way to preserve cash while expanding their reach exponentially.
When asked what she would tell business owners considering Tradebank membership, Kimberly doesn’t hesitate: “If you want your networking to automatically go outside the universe or outside of where you’re expecting, Tradebank is going to be the one.”
She emphasizes that beyond the practical benefits of preserving cash and gaining new customers, there’s something special about the Tradebank community. “They all have the same heart, the same passion. They all want to be this huge family that allows us to barter and trade what we have while keeping money in our pockets.”
For Sweet J’s Clubhouse, Tradebank has become more than a business tool—it’s become part of their support system. In a world where nonprofits often struggle for visibility and resources, the network has provided both, along with something unexpected: a family of business owners who truly care about making a difference. As Kimberly puts it, “It exposes you to so many things that you never thought you’d be exposed to.” For this nonprofit leader who has transformed personal grief into a mission of healing for others, that exposure has meant more resources, more connections, and more hope for the
families her organization serves. Sweet J’s Clubhouse continues to provide grief counseling and support services to children who have lost their parents. Through partnerships like Tradebank, they’re expanding their reach and impact across the nation.

Article by JP PELLEGRINO

Your trade dollars can make a real difference in your community. These nonprofit organizations accept Tradebank donations, making it easy to support causes you care about while keeping your cash reserves intact.
Whether you’re passionate about animal welfare, youth programs, community services, or faith-based organizations, you’ll find worthy causes right here in the network.
A list of Tradebank Nonprofits & Charities:
305 8th Street Community
Ability Point
Access Virginia
Adoption Discovery
Amazing Grace Discipleship Ministries
Amazon Hope Thrift Store
Andrew’s Place
Anna’s Gate
Auditory Verbal Center, Inc
Back2Basics Adventures
Bancroft Gospel Ministry
Be the Change Today!
Bear Creek Feline Center
Beauty for Ashes Transitional Home, Inc.
Bliss Spiritual Co-Op
Boy Scouts of America Council
Cathedral of Praise
Celebrate Life Yaun Mission
Children’s Advocacy Center of Marshall Co
Christian Tech Center Ministries
Closet of Hope
Colonial Heights Christian Church
Courage Thru Cancer
Decatur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center, Inc
Discover Ponit Church
Dorchester Paws
Dream Center ICT
E Sports AL
Eagle Corps Ministry
Eagle’s Wings Inc.
Elevate Columbia
Etowah Youth Services
Every Kid Swims Inc
Faith Worship Center Church-God
Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga
Fayetteville Lincoln County Arts Center, Inc
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
First Responders 5K Run & Walk Foundation
Five Fish Foundation/Shredder Bees
Florida Panhandle Golf Therapy Alliance
Fostering Hope
Gateway Community Church
Gigi’s House
Good Shepherd Clinic, Inc.
Hearts to Nourish Hope
Helping Hands of Goose Creek
Hilltop Aspires
HomeAgain
Hope Park
House Of Dawn
Humane Society of Bay County
Humane Society Of The Tennessee
1. Log into myTradebank.com.
2. Click on “Directory” > choose the “Charity” category.
3. Select a business ad, scroll down, and choose a donation amount.

Humble House Ministries
Jesus Recovery House
KETCH
Knoxville Christian School
Ladies 327 Inc
Landmarks for Families
Lane Sitz Ministries
Linda Haupt Productions
Logia Nonprofit Logistics
Love Thy Neighbor FL Inc.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of East TN
Marine Corps League
Mission Phoenix
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary
North Alabama Zoological Society
Oasis Christian Center
One Spark Foundation
Ordinary Hero Foundation
Partners for Christian Media / J103
Pawsome Southern Rescue
Pregnancy Resource Center of Walton
Redemption Ranch
Redemption Ranch
Rescue Outreach Mission
Riverpoint Assembly of God
Rotary Club of Orlando Foundation
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity
Simons4Seniors
Southern Museum Of Flight
SPARK
St. John Catholic Church
Starkey, Inc.
Sweet Js Clubhouse
Tech 4 All Tennessee
Tennessee Christian Chamber of Commerce
The Arc of Virginia
The Hub at Centerpoint
The Olive Press
The Price of Freedom Foundation
The Rain Church
The Rezza Foundation for Stroke Survivors
The Sharing Center
Volunteer Ministry Center VMC
Water Mission
Williamson County Lions Club
Women’s Resource Center
You Lucky Dog Rescue
Running a business means constantly balancing cash flow while keeping your team motivated. What if you could reward your employees without touching your cash reserves? That’s exactly what Tradebank Affiliate Accounts let you do.

Think of Affiliate Accounts as individual Tradebank accounts for your employees that you fund. Each employee gets their own trade account, digital Tradebank card, and access to myTradebank.com – but you decide when and how much to transfer from your main Tradebank account to theirs.1
Employee Compensation
• Monthly or quarterly bonuses
• Sales contest prizes
• Year-end rewards
• Performance incentives
• Practical benefits
MORE IDEAS:
˶ Pay salaries or partial salaries in trade dollars
˶ Recognize outstanding work without cash outlays
˶ Give employees access to the entire Tradebank network for personal use




Browse the full Holiday Gift Guide at mytradebank.com/members/ holiday_gift to see more gift options locally and nationwide.
1
Give the gift of fitness with gym memberships and personal training packages. Help them crush their New Year goals while you save your cash.
2
Treat someone to an unforgettable night out with a restaurant gift certificate— add a car service for extra wow factor.
3
Give the Gift of Relaxation
Spa days, salon pampering, and massage packages help your loved ones unwind without touching your cash. Perfect for anyone who needs a break.
4
Pet Lover’s Treats
From custom pet portraits to premium pet products, show love to the animal lovers in your life with gifts that make tails wag.
Find the perfect gift with your

Exclusive Tradebank Members:

Chic N Savvy Infinite Jewelry
Precious metal chains to create beautiful jewelry pieces for weddings, proms, and everyday. Memory pieces are a reminder of how special the person, pet, place or thing...
View on the Holiday Gift Guide
Earn T$400 for every referral to Tradebank -- ends November 30th, 2025.

The Pearl Lady: Pearl Jewelery
Elegant. Authentic. One-of-a-kind. Hand-knotted. Timeless. Always stunning. Because let’s face it—every woman deserves pearls in her jewelry collection.
View on the Holiday Gift Guide
Limo services make any occasion feel special: think anniversary dinners, birthdays, or a night out with friends. RV rentals open up a world of getaways and family road trips.
Perfect for the friend who loves to entertain but hates to cook.
Get ornaments, decorative wrapping, lights, and more on Tradebank

Curated gift baskets filled with gourmet treats, local products, or themed goodies.
Treat your employees or loved ones to custom tshirts, sweaters, and more.
Custom holiday cards with your family photo or business branding. Send season’s greetings that actually get remembered.
Original artwork or custom paintings make unique, meaningful gifts that become conversation pieces for years to come.

Fresh cookies, holiday pies, and gourmet treats satisfy any sweet tooth. Delicious gifts that won’t last long enough to re-gift.

Trophies & plaques - 100% on Tradebank! Hundreds of promotional items available!

Little Barnyard Soaps & Candles offers dozens of scents in both candles and homemade soaps - all on Tradebank!
View on the Holiday Gift Guide

perfect gift for every occasion! These gifts are beautifully presented and are designed to make both the receiver and giver feel special. The gifts are natural, wholesome...
View on the Holiday Gift Guide

We are a full service custom frame shop that specializes in Sports prints, framed or unframed. Primarily based in the SEC we do offer a variety of other college schools as well as some NFL and Major League Baseball...
View on the Holiday Gift Guide

We’re creeping towards the new year, and it’s time to get strategic with your trade dollars.
You’re ready for the new year—but what about those trade dollars sitting in your account? We frequently see members that treat their trade dollars like a rainy day fund, but the smartest business owners know that trade credits work hardest when you plan ahead, not when you’re scrambling to spend them.
Going into the new year without a trade spending plan leaves your business exposed: missed cost-saving trades, unpredictable cash outflow, and delayed investments in team wellness or back-office essentials. For small and mid-sized businesses, that can mean paying cash for services you could have traded for, or scrambling later when a needed
vendor isn’t available. Planning now converts idle trade dollars into predictable value, protects cash, and creates space to invest in both operations and employee well-being.
Planning for the upcoming year’s expenses is crucial for any business’s financial health and sustainability. Here are practical, trade-first strategies you can use to plan for 2026.
1. Lock in recurring operational support (accounting services, financial management).
Prioritize quarterly bookkeeping, payroll help, and a year-end accounting review on Tradebank. Example: A boutique retailer traded excess
seasonal inventory for ongoing bookkeeping and avoided a cash hire while getting cleaner monthly P&Ls. Accounting services free cash for growth and reduce the risk of surprises.
2. Invest in team health to protect productivity (Health & Wellness; any services related to physical health).
Use trade dollars for gym memberships, a health coach, or group wellness sessions. Example: A small café swapped catering for employee wellness packages and saw fewer sick days and higher morale— no payroll hit. Health services are lifestyle-enhancing and protect your most important asset: people.
3. Use Business Coaching to build a actionable trade (and also cash) spending plan.
Trade for coaching sessions to build a realistic 12-month budget that factors in both your trade dollars and cash flow. A good coach can help you identify which expenses make sense to pay with trade versus cash— like routing trade dollars toward marketing campaigns, professional services, or equipment upgrades while preserving cash for payroll and unexpected costs. The key is having someone help you think strategically about your spending mix instead of just reacting month-to-month.
4. Be creative—trade for legal help, renovations, or even lawn care.
Think beyond the obvious. Example: A landscaping business swaps seasonal jobs for an attorney’s retainer
and office touch-ups. Brokers can find unusual matches and structure package trades that save cash and improve business appearance.
Creativity matters: It’s important to remember that while Tradebank has an abundance of spending options — it isn’t a typical marketplace like Ebay or Walmart. The network may not have every product and service you need at any given moment, so we always try to encourage our members to combine services, stagger trades, and be proactive with spending strategies. Our Tradebank Brokers are real business partners who help source matches for you and design deals that preserve cash for you in the short and long term.
1. List your top six 2026 expenses and mark which can be traded (accounting, coaching, wellness, legal, renovations, lawn care).
2. Contact your broker with that list and your available trade balance; ask for package options and timing suggestions.
3. Reserve trade dollars for recurring needs first (monthly bookkeeping, gym memberships, coaching) and negotiate one-offs for renovations or legal work.
˶ Contact your broker or local office to set yourself up for success as we transition into the new year. A short planning call now can protect cash, sharpen goals, and make your trade dollars work harder in 2026
Strategic Trade Timing: Barter flattens peaks and valleys of seasonal businesses by providing services through barter during slow months and receiving services when your barter partner is experiencing downtime. Sunflower Bank
The Right Amount - Some experts recommend that businesses should barter no more than 10-15% of their total sales, though small service-based businesses with no employees are better suited to a higher percentage. SBDC Tampa Bay
1. Bartering provides an opportunity to get what you need without using cash, and trade partners who have good experiences often become cash customers too.
2. Every barter transaction creates marketing opportunities through word of mouth and brand awareness, tapping into potential markets you might not have found otherwise.
3. Satisfied barter partners can provide testimonials and refer others to your business - this word-of-mouth advertising is incredibly valuable, especially when starting out
To learn more about how bartering can benefit your business, visit us online at tradebank.com . As always, contact your broker or local office if you wish to develop a strategic bartering plan that’s specific to your business or industry. Tradebank is a strategic barter tool that can help you grow your customer base and save cash at the same time. For help: 678.533.7100
Article by JP PELLEGRINO

James “Tip” Tipton never imagined that golfing of all things would save his life—but it did. After 23 years of honorable service in the U.S. Air Force, including 13 deployments to combat zones around the world, Tip’s military career ended abruptly when a car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. The decorated Senior Master Sergeant found himself in a dark place, for years, struggling with PTSD, depression, and addiction.
“Prior to being paralyzed and injured, I golfed quite a bit,” Tip recalls. “When I became injured, I didn’t golf for five or six years, and I got really depressed and got hooked on opioids
and benzos and alcohol and suicidal ideations.”
Everything changed when he discovered the Stand Up and Play Foundation and their specialized Paramobile golf carts—devices that allow those with impaired mobility to stand and play golf.
“To be honest with you it truly saved my life,” Tip says. “I was in a dark place for five or six years, and when I was introduced by the Stand Up And Play Foundation to this cart, it was a game-changer for me, literally not just the game of golf but the game of life.” Tip founded the Florida Panhandle Golf Therapy Alliance (FPGTA) in 2022 to share this
healing opportunity with others. The nonprofit now serves veterans, first responders, and children and adults with disabilities throughout Bay County and beyond.
“Initially this was designed to be a veteran’s-based program, to help veterans who suffer from PTSD,” Tip explains. “PTSD is not prejudiced. It affects more than just veterans. We have a huge population of adults and children with mental and physical disabilities here in Bay County. We need to reach out to them as well as our fire, police, and EMS. These folks see incidents and accidents every day and they are riddled with PTSD.”
Teresa Watson, Tradebank’s regional owner in Panama City, has worked closely with FPGTA over the years, recognizing the organization’s profound impact on the local community and driving new donations and awareness to the organization.
“What Tip and his team are doing is nothing short of remarkable,” Teresa says. “They really are giving them their lives back.” Through Tradebank, Teresa has helped FPGTA access the goods and services they need to operate their programs while preserving their limited cash for specialized equipment like Paramobile carts, which cost close to a staggering ~$30,000 each.
FPGTA’s latest project involves installing golf simulators that provide year-round access to golf therapy in a safe, supportive, and accessible environment. As their recent newsletter highlighted, “By offering

this resource, the FPGTA hopes to create a space where individuals can relieve stress, build confidence, and share experiences with others who understand their journey. It’s not just about improving one’s game; it’s about improving lives.”
Every Tuesday, FPGTA holds clinics at Bay Point Golf Club’s driving range: morning sessions for those with mobility challenges and PTSD, afternoon sessions for Special Olympians and adults with disabilities.
FPGTA operates entirely on grants, donations, and volunteer support. As a Tradebank member, you have a unique opportunity to support this mission while preserving your cash flow. Consider making a trade dollar donation to help fund:
- Golf lessons and equipment
- Specialized Paramobile cart purchases
- Golf simulator installation and maintenance
- Weekly therapy clinics and programs
For people like Navy veteran David Hollenbach, who participates in the program, the impact is clear: “There’s been a stigma associated with PTSD. I feel like it’s kind of considered a weakness if you reach out to get some help, and so to stand up and actually get the help you need, I think is an act of courage in and of itself.”
Have products or services FPGTA might need? Reach out to Teresa Watson at your Panama City Tradebank office to explore how your trade can make a difference.
Email: twatson@tradebank.com
Phone: 850.399.1046
Learn more: Florida Panhandle Golf Therapy Alliance on MyTradebank | Contact Teresa Watson at Tradebank Panama City
A special thank you to Teresa Watson for championing such an incredible organization and making a difference through Tradebank.
Please consider a trade dollar donation to Florida Panhandle Golf Therapy Alliance. Your generosity is appreciated.
To make a trade dollar donation: visit Florida Panhandle Golf Therapy Alliance on MyTradebank and choose a custom or preset trade dollar donation amount at the bottom of their business listing.



Business coaching has shifted from nice-to-have to necessary. In 2025, the businesses pulling ahead aren’t necessarily working harder, but rather working with coaches who’ve already solved the problems they’re facing. The good news for Tradebank members? You’re sitting on a strategic advantage. Those trade dollars in your account can buy you
professional development without touching your cash reserves. While others debate whether they can afford coaching, you can invest in expertise today and keep your cash for operations tomorrow. It’s a simple equation that successful members have already figured out: trade what you have for the knowledge you need.
Every business owner faces the same fundamental challenges: managing people, improving processes, and growing revenue. The difference lies in how quickly they find solutions. When you always tackle problems solo, you’re always relying on trial and error. This business strategy can be a costly one. A business coach who specializes in organizational dynamics can diagnose problems in one session and provide proven solutions in the next. The math is straightforward. Months of lost productivity costs far
more than a few coaching sessions— especially when those sessions can be paid with trade dollars. Professional coaching accelerates problem-solving in three critical ways:
❶ Pattern recognition: Coaches have seen your challenges before across dozens of businesses. What feels unique to you is often a predictable pattern to them.
❷ Accountability structures:
Having regular check-ins with a coach creates momentum. You’re more likely to implement changes when someone is tracking your progress.
❸ Outside perspective: Sometimes you’re too close to your business to see obvious solutions. A coach provides the distance needed for clarity. It doesn’t mean you lack vision, but rather scope. The real question isn’t whether you
can afford coaching. It’s whether you can afford to keep learning everything the hard way. For Tradebank members, this question becomes even simpler: you can get professional guidance without spending a single cash dollar. ■
Vincent Phipps, Tradebank Member and owner of Communication VIP Training & Coaching, represents exactly what smart trading looks like. Vincent operates in the top 1% of communication experts globally. He’s also worked with hundreds of Tradebank members, delivering customized training that addresses real business problems: public speaking anxiety that limits networking, team conflicts that destroy productivity, leadership gaps that stunt growth. His expertise spans one-on-one coaching, interactive training classes, professional development, team building, and conflict resolution.

What sets Vincent apart is his understanding of entrepreneurial challenges. He’s conducted Zoom training sessions with our regional franchise owners. He’s helped members transform their sales presentations. He’s guided business owners through difficult conversations with employees, partners, and customers. His high-energy sessions have

View Vincent Phipps’ business listing on MyTradebank >
become legendary in our network because they produce immediate, measurable changes in how people communicate and lead.
The distance between where your business is and where it could be is measured in decisions. Contact your Broker and ask about business coaching opportunities within the network. Ask specifically about connecting with Vincent Phipps at Communication VIP Training & Coaching if you’re ready to transform how you communicate, lead, and build your team. Your broker knows the network and can match you with the right expertise for your specific situation. The businesses that thrive in 2025 won’t be the ones with the most resources—they’ll be the ones that use their resources most strategically.


Earn T$200 for every referral that joins Tradebank. Simply submit a referral at tradebank.com/referrals. Once they join, we’ll deposit T$200 into your Tradebank account. It’s our way of giving back for your efforts in helping us grow our network. Visit us online at