TradeNet Publishing, Inc. began in 1986 in the kitchen of the Iowa home of its President and CEO, Tom Mertz. TradeNet has grown rapidly into a major national supplier of erasable boards and refrigerator magnets that are used in specialty advertising. TradeNet Publishing has continued its proven excellence by being recognized by ASI as a Distributor's Choice award winner. TradeNet is also a six-time PPAI Star Supplier winner and a seven-time PPAI Supplier Web Award winner. In 1996, TradeNet was named Business of the Year by the Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Council for its outstanding service to community, exceptional entrepreneurial achievement, caring development of employees, and significant economic contribution to the community. TradeNet has a great reputation for tremendous service to the community. Just like a successful business is built over time by adhering to principles of quality and service, a healthy community is built when businesses look past the immediate bottom line and contribute in unique ways to efforts that will have a positive, long-term effect on children and their families.