The Association of Zoos and Aquariums recently announced the formation of its new Commercial Member Engagement Council (CMEC). According to the association, inaugural members include SSA and Event Network, and the CMEC's goal will be to find the intersection between economic, environmental, and social aspects of business to set the standards for the industry in carrying out AZA's mission of respecting, valuing, and conserving wildlife and wild places.

 
The CMEC will explore how AZA's community of nearly 325 commercial members can align their strategies for good corporate citizenship with each other and with AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. Good corporate citizenship is an evolving business practice that incorporates sustainable development into a company's business model. The practice also provides a new brand platform companies can use to leverage their cause marketing initiatives to the general public and to niche markets.

"Corporate citizenship extends across a broad field that includes good governance, sound, transparent financial reporting, and ethical decision making," said Dan Ashe, AZA's president and CEO. "AZA's commercial members are already exhibiting such initiatives, large and small."

Such initiatives include the use of sustainable palm oil, elimination and minimization of carbon footprints, and the creation of sustainable products like compostable dinnerware, according to the association's press release.

For more information on AZA's commercial membership: https://tinyurl.com/tjcj3l7.