Four students Clinton School students will work with the Sustainable Business Network of Central Arkansas and local businesses to launch the first sustainable business certification program of its kind in Arkansas.
The program will allow businesses to demonstrate their commitment to the three pillars of sustainability: social justice, economic empowerment and environmental stewardship.
Clinton School students Jessica Rice, of Little Rock, Andrew Morgan of Spokane, Wash., Anatoliy Shatkovskyy of Cherkasy, Ukraine and Alana Gattis Bell of Greenville, S.C.will work in coordination with the business network to develop and pilot the program.
The business network was formed in 2009 by Dr. Nancy Landrum, an associate professor in the UALR College of Business, and local business leaders. The group describes itself as a “green chamber of commerce” offering varying services to its member businesses.
The network encourages cooperation and networking among businesses concerned with issues of long term sustainability. When the group launches its certification program, it will add a new element to its existing services.
“The SBNCA’s goal is to promote the adoption of sustainable business practices,” Landrum said, the certification program will “guide businesses on what they can and should do to make their business sustainable.”
“Guiding businesses on what they can and should do to make their business sustainable is the goal of the SBNCA,” Dr. Landrum said.
If the network succeeds in encouraging the adoption of sustainable business practices all across Central Arkansas, the entire region will benefit, she said.
Rice, Morgan, Shatkovskyy and Bell bring a wide range of skills to the project from academic research and international relations to business and finance experience.
“We are very encouraged by the excitement generated for the program and look forward to having a lasting impact on Central Arkansas businesses,” Rice said.
The project is one of eight group projects students are completing this year in the Clinton School’s Practicum program, one of three for-credit public service projects in the Master of Public Service degree program.