LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International announced that as part of its continuing commitment to diversity and 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,” said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “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.”
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.
Suppliers Provided with Equal Opportunity
“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, visit www.mgmresortsdiversity.com.
