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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