Northeast Business Environmental Network

CONTACT:

191 Merrimack Street
Haverhill, MA 01830
978-521-1020
www.nben.org

Amy Stillings, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

Here is a case where government has invoked philanthropy to promote values in business: In the fall of 1992, the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance for Toxics Use Reduction (OTA) decided that its effectiveness with businesses was handicapped by its own status as a government agency--that companies trust each other more than they do government regulators, particularly in improving environmental practices. OTA therefore persuaded 20 manufacturers in the Merrimack River Valley to create a Merrimack Business Environmental Network (MBEN), as a forum for sharing technical information and encouraging management support in reducing toxic pollution. The new organization was launched with a two-year OTA grant. In 1994 when the grant ran out, the members of MBEN voted to continue its good work, and so incorporated as a charitable organization. At its 10th anniversary, NBEN has a membership of 75 companies, and an email outreach to over 500 individuals.

The philosophy of NBEN is that excellent health, safety, and environmental practices are a competitive advantage in business. NBEN promotes this view in monthly breakfast meetings and workshops, a website, a Peer Assistance Program and a Forum for Best Management Practices, in which they disseminate the latest information about pollution prevention, sustainability, environmental management systems and technology transfer. If you're interested, get in touch!

(2002: NATURE: Environment: Energy, Toxics, Waste Recyling)