Green business network Greater Salem Green Drinks is reaching out to chapters and green businesses in Newburyport, Gloucester, and the Lawrence area. The purpose is to create an expanded green business network and to facilitate development of a larger green economy for the North Shore.

Green Drinks is an international network of chapters where individuals gather locally to talk about green business, politics, and initiatives that promote green economies and also to seek and find new opportunities.

On March 2nd InnoVentures and the North Shore Technology Council will host Greater Salem Green Drinks and other local green drinks chapters—including Newburyport—from 7-9 p.m. at its Lynn location. This event provides the opportunity to learn about this new facility dedicated to clean technology, and to socialize and make new connections.

The Greater Salem chapter is composed of small-to-large businesses, non-profits, scientists, academics, and eco-minded individuals. Primarily from Beverly, Danvers/Middleton, Hamilton/Wenham, Peabody/Lynnfield, Salem, and Marblehead/Swampscott, members also hail from Lynn, Ipswich, Topsfield, Rowley, and Manchester-by-the-Sea, though many from these cities may choose to attend networking meetings for Newburyport, Gloucester, and Boston Green Drinks chapters.

Ben Bouchard, assistant director, Salem Chamber of Commerce, said: "In today's challenging economy, networking is the most cost effective and powerful marketing tool."

In addition to establishing Facebook and LinkedIn communities, Greater Salem Green Drinks is partnering with Creative Economy of the North Shore and other groups to host a June evening gala at Salem Olde Town Hall featuring local food and discussion of sustainable local economies. And on September 21, 2010, in partnership with the Salem State College Enterprise Center, Greater Salem Green Drinks will host a half-day workshop with plenary and breakout sessions and panel discussions that will address the needs of developing green businesses in the region.

Fostering relationships amongst green businesses, non-profits, and the eco-minded is already creating opportunities in Southern Essex County. Amongst members of Greater Salem, new business has emerged. Projects like solar hot water and recycled insulation have begun, many discuss green business marketing and eco-friendly supply chains, and sharing information has lead to new ideas, political action on laws that are of concern to green and renewable energy economies, and press.

Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll said:  “I’ve watched Greater Salem Green Drinks grow over the past year and as Mayor of Salem, which is exploring Massachusetts Green Community status, I support the efforts of this group to share ideas and to help motivate a green economy in the Salem region.”

If you are interested in attending the Greater Salem Green Drinks InnoVentures event on March 2, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you are interested in Newburyport Green Drinks, which includes members from Amesbury, Newburyport, Newbury, Salisbury, West Newbury, and surrounding towns, meetings are typically scheduled the third Wednesday of each month. You can also find this chapter on LinkedIn and on Facebook.