MGM MIRAGE Gets DiversityBusiness Approval
LAS VEGAS, NV, Janaury 30, 2006. MGM MIRAGE has been cited as one of the top corporations in the U.S. for multicultural businesses by DiversityBusiness.com. According to Kenton Clark, president & CEO, DiversityBusiness.com, the recognition is based on factors such as volume, consistency and quality of business opportunities that a company grants women and minority-owned suppliers. MGM MIRAGE is the only gaming company to be recognized by DiversityBusiness.com.
"Those organizations that buy the most products and services, most consistently, from diversity businesses, and that sustain the most mutually beneficial business relationships with their multicultural suppliers, should be recognized not only by the suppliers but also by the general public," Clark said.
More than 500,000 business owners had the opportunity to participate in the online election to select the top companies. The leading companies will be awarded during the 6th Annual Multicultural Business Conference at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, March 29 - 31, 2006.
"The significance of this recognition is that it comes directly from the business community," said Mark Stolarczyk, MGM MIRAGE Vice President of Purchasing. "Our desire is to increase our portfolio of companies that can provide high-quality products and superior services at competitive prices."
MGM MIRAGE is the first company in the gaming industry to establish a voluntary diversity initiative.It also instituted corporate policy requiring minority participation in all purchasing bids exceeding $1,000. Stolarczyk acknowledged that the company's supplier diversity program has experienced significant growth since it was established in 2001, including the amount of money spent with women-, minority- and disadvantaged-business enterprises, now up more than 218%.
To aid its efforts in purchasing diversity, the company also established a diversity purchasing committee comprised of buyers companywide that meets regularly to share ideas and best practices. The purchasing representatives also participate in numerous trade shows throughout the U.S. to communicate the company's purchasing needs and to identify potential suppliers.
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