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YTB released a statement last week saying that they are contemplating replacing their current model with a franchise operating system.

YTB recently hired iFranchise, a Chicago based consultation firm, to assist them in looking into making a possible switch. YTB feels that by changing their business model to a franchise model they will be better able to expand into additional markets by providing more training and developing a new proprietary e-commerce system.

No word yet on any of the potential details of the plan, including price, product offering and conversion plan, all of which are still under consideration. The company says that the switch could take place as soon as 2009. If the franchise model is adopted, it will be managed by the company’s marketing arm, YourTravelBiz.com.

The company did not discuss whether or not they will completely do away with their at home distributors or how the switch will affect those who are currently working as YTB independent sales agents.

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Network Marketing travel company, YTB International, Inc. announced that its Class A common stock has been approved for quotation of the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board. The company’s stock will continue to be listed under the symbol, “YTBLA” and will move to the OTCBB within the next 30 days. This is a very positive step for the company graduating from the Pink Sheets to the Bulletin Board Market and will provide the company with greater exposure to market-makers and potentially more investors. It also comes at a time when another Network Marketing company, NHT is going in the opposite direction.

YTB has been a bit of a Wall Street darling lately, with the stock and company doing very well. It seems that every month YTB is buying and acquiring other travel companies and expanding the size and presence of the company all over the world.

Top officials at YTB are excited about the move of the stock on the Bulletin Board. CEO Scott Tomer said in a statement. “We believe that this will help to increase the liquidity and visibility of our stock in the financial markets.”

YTB International, Inc operates under three separate subsidiaries including, YourTravelBiz, YTN Travel Network, and REZconnect technologies. YTN is an internet based booking service for all travel arrangements. The company operates through a network marketing business plan. Travel packages are sold by independent representatives around the world, including the U.S., Canada, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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