Promotion of Diversity Among Suppliers is Central to MGM’s Social Impact Work

At MGM Resorts, a commitment to diversity and inclusion has long been a cornerstone of who we are. We also believe that every company has an obligation to use its influence for global and community stewardship – to actively promote and pursue activities for the greater good.

It’s where these two principles meet that you’ll find our Supplier Diversity Program, of which I am exceptionally proud. This talented team is singularly focused on seeking out diverse-owned suppliers within our communities and working to foster long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with them. Our work on this front is important for reducing the barriers to diversity that exist within our supplier industries. It’s also a great benefit for MGM Resorts, as the program creates, within the supplier marketplace, better quality products and improved price competition.

One aspect of the team’s work is our Supplier Diversity Mentorship program, which partners diverse-owned suppliers with MGM executives who serve as leadership advisors for a six-month course in financial and operational management. Additionally, MGM subject matter experts in Human Resources, Sustainability, Marketing, Social and Sales facilitate hands on workshops for participants. In sum, the program provides an outside perspective and seasoned business acumen to help mentees assess their businesses for inefficiencies and develop useful solutions for improvement.

One such supplier who recently graduated from the program is Eugene Smith, founder of Fresh Start Restoration Services, an independent minority- and woman-owned business located in Prince George’s County Maryland. Fresh Start contracts with MGM National Harbor, in the Washington D.C. metro area, to provide ongoing concierge-style hood, exhaust and kitchen sanitation for the property. They are an exemplary business partner, and we couldn’t be happier with the work they do for us.

During his participation in the mentorship program, Eugene received detailed guidance based on a SWOT analysis exercise to identify problem areas. As a result, the management team was able to improve teamwork, expand their offerings by obtaining additional trade licenses and certifications and increase their footprint within the market with new marketing techniques.

MGM is proud of our partnership with Eugene and the many other diverse suppliers with whom we do work. In the months and years to come, we look forward to forging new relationships with diverse-owned businesses in our communities and growing their representation within our supplier network.