MGM Resorts International Expands Supplier Diversity Program to Veteran, Disabled and LGBT-Owned Businesses

Published on Thursday, 02 February 2012 10:11 Written by TradersHuddle Staff

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) is proud to announce that as part of its continuing commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, the Company has expanded the scope of  its industry-leading Supplier Diversity Program for suppliers, contractors and professional service providers.  The MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Program now includes businesses owned by veterans, disabled and lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals, as well as minority-owned, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs).

"This expansion of our Supplier Diversity Program was adopted to broaden the network of businesses who participate in our Company's commerce.  Not only does this widen the pool of competitive providers of products and services potentially available to us, but it also enables us to forge relationships with qualified businesses that are reflective of our diverse community, to our mutual business benefit," said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International.

Along with MWDBEs, businesses that are certified by independent agencies as owned by veterans, disabled persons or LGBT persons may, through the Supplier Diversity Program, be considered for the opportunity to compete in MGM Resorts bids for products and services.

"The MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Program has allowed us to compete with national companies and win large contracts that we typically are not even given the chance to compete for," said Marshall Hunt, co-owner of NEDCO Supply, a certified Minority Business Enterprise based in Las Vegas. "All we have ever asked for is a fair opportunity and that's what we have been given with MGM Resorts."

Certified diverse businesses who participate in the Supplier Diversity Program also derive other advantages, such as:

• Visibility in the Supplier Diversity database for bid opportunities,
• Guidance from procurement and diversity professionals on Company business practices,
• Presentation opportunities to MGM Resorts buyers and decision-makers,
• Invitations to attend procurement events with MGM Resorts, and
• Referrals to peer organizations seeking certified diverse owned firms.

Since its Supplier Diversity Program was introduced in 2001, MGM Resorts has contracted with more than 1,000 MWDBE suppliers and contractors, resulting in a cumulative total of more than $2.5 billion in Company expenditures with such businesses. With the program's newly expanded categories, these figures are expected to increase significantly.

Businesses eligible to participate in the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Program must be 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by a person belonging to the program's eligible business groups. Certification by a U.S. certifying agency such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Business Leaders Network (USBLN), National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Nevada Department of Transportation, National Minority Supplier Development Council, or Women Business Enterprise National Council is also required.

For more information about the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Program or to register as a diverse business owner, please visit www.mgmresortsdiversity.com.

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage.  In addition to its 51% interest in MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino, the Company has significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 15 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in three other properties in Nevada and Illinois. One of those investments is CityCenter, an unprecedented urban resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring its centerpiece ARIA Resort & Casino. Leveraging MGM Resorts' unmatched amenities, the M life rewards program delivers exclusive access, one-of-a-kind experiences, insider privileges, personalized rewards and partnership offers for both gaming and non-gaming members at the Company's renowned resorts nationwide. Through its hospitality management subsidiary, the Company holds a growing number of development and management agreements for casino and non-casino resort projects around the world. MGM Resorts International supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its gaming properties. The Company has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative, its community philanthropy programs and the Company's commitment to sustainable development and operations. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

Statements in this release which are not historical facts are "forward looking" statements and "safe harbor statements" Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including risks and/or uncertainties as described in the company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE MGM Resorts International