ROGERS, Ark. -

America’s Car-Mart recently released its first corporate responsibility report as part of its ongoing efforts to increase disclosures and transparency as the network of buy-here, pay-here dealerships celebrates four decades of success.

According to a news release, the report highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices and especially its focus on its people, the communities and customers it serves. The report also delves into how the Car-Mart is addressing key environmental, social and governance (ESG) areas.

Car-Mart said the report covers information and activities through Jan. 31.

“Our business strategy is focused on operational excellence and long-term growth, backed with governance principles. Our people, more than 2,000 associates across 12 states, are committed to making a difference for customers, their communities and each other. In fact, during Car-Mart’s 40-year history, we are proud of supporting social issues directly in our communities where we can have the most impact,” Car-Mart president and chief executive officer Jeff Williams said.

Car-Mart also said it is committed to reviewing the environmental impacts of the company’s operations and services and setting appropriate environmental improvement goals. The company mentioned studies currently are underway internally to determine how those goals will be quantified to reflect their impact on climate and carbon footprint.

“This principle of ‘doing the right thing’ comes through in both our achievements and our commitments to various stakeholders,” Williams said. “It is the foundation of our corporate responsibility philosophy and is the basis for how we now review our work in ESG areas and their impact on our stakeholders.

“Car-Mart’s responsibility to help address concerns from customers, associates, communities and shareholders is now further defined and integrated into our business strategies,” he went on to say.

Before the company released this report that’s posted on this website, Williams discussed an array of topics — including navigating through the pandemic and Car-Mart’s anniversary — during an episode of the Auto Remarketing Podcast that’s available below.