SmithBucklin Acquires The Townsend Group
June 8, 2015
SmithBucklin acquired The Townsend Group, a Chevy Chase, Md.-based advertising, exhibit and sponsorship sales and management organization for associations.
The announcement was made by Henry Givray, president and CEO of SmithBucklin, and Holly Townsend, founder and CEO of The Townsend Group. The addition of The Townsend Group will provide associations with more opportunities for non-dues revenue generation.
The Townsend Group will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of SmithBucklin and Holly Townsend will continue as president, reporting to James McNeil, senior vice president at SmithBucklin and president and publisher of Information, Inc., a SmithBucklin-owned company that regularly collaborates with The Townsend Group.
"Each association has its own unique culture and goals, and I am excited to become part of an organization that recognizes that. SmithBucklin's mission — to achieve the missions of the client organizations it serves — is completely aligned with ours," Townsend said.
She added, "Being part of SmithBucklin will help us both identify and execute many more opportunities to help organizations increase non-dues revenue growth, offer industry-leading practices and deliver unique new services to our clients."
The Townsend Group’s services include print and online advertising, exhibition and sponsorship sales and strategic planning in publishing and media transformation.
"We are thrilled to welcome The Townsend Group to the SmithBucklin family," Givray said. "Together, SmithBucklin and The Townsend Group will be the largest provider of specialized event and publishing sales services to associations on both a full-service and outsourced basis."
"The Townsend Group has particularly strong synergy with Information, Inc., and we are currently working on several joint client engagements," McNeil said. "SmithBucklin and The Townsend Group are in an excellent position to provide complementary services to a variety of organizations."
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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