Bentonville firm 8th & Walton achieves B Corp status

Bentonville-based 8th & Walton, an education and advisory service company for Walmart suppliers, recently announced certification as a B Corporation (B Corp).

The Pennsylvania nonprofit B Lab issues the certification in its mission to make businesses “forces for good” by verifying their compliance with high standards of social and environmental practices.

According to a news release, through a rigorous assessment, the B Corp certification shows that 8th & Walton meets the highest standards of social performance, transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

“We care deeply about making a positive social contribution, but we also recognize how critical it is to help suppliers reduce their environmental impact,” 8th & Walton CEO and owner Jeff Clapper said. “We act locally and at the same time impact global suppliers of consumer goods. Our guidance has an exponential influence on things like packaging, supply chain and transportation. We also strive to help people everywhere have better access to healthy, affordable food.”

Almost 5,000 businesses in 77 countries are certified B Corp companies; 2,000 are in the United States and Canada.

8th & Walton is the second Arkansas company to become B Corp certified, joining Southern Bancorp Inc., the holding company of Southern Bancorp Bank. The company achieved its B Corp status in 2019.

“We still have a lot to learn; it’s a journey of continuous improvement,” said Clapper, who bought the business in 2014. “But being certified for our transparency, social responsibility, and accountability has inspired us even more. Our whole team is thrilled to be a B Corp company and have an impact on the social and environmental conscientiousness of our business community.”

8th & Walton has a dozen employees.