National Association of Tobacco Outlets' Show Attendees Will Give Back to Las Vegas Community
December 31, 2012
As part of National Association of Tobacco Outlet’s 12th Anniversary and Trade Show in Las Vegas, the organization will launch the first Meetings with a Mission (MWM) event.
The MWM event is a community engagement initiative for attendees to serve at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission April 22, the first day of the show, which runs through April 24.
NATO Show attendees registered for the NATO MWM event will serve for a half-day at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission in the areas of preparing and serving meals, assembling hygiene kits and performing light property maintenance.
On the NATO MWM Web site, those who are unable to attend have the ability to opt to donate toiletries for the hygiene kits or make a monetary donation to the Rescue Mission.
"The NATO Meetings with a Mission event is an effort to create an environment of connections--NATO with the city of Las Vegas, NATO attendees with their peers and ultimately, attendees with those in need in the community," said NATO president Andy Kerstein.
He added, "Beyond a standard fundraising event, NATO's Meetings with a Mission allows for hands-on interactions to make a positive impact in the host-community of Las Vegas. It also fosters a spirit of giving back that our attendees can take back with them to their respective businesses and communities."
The Las Vegas Rescue Mission, provides redemption, recovery and re-entry to the homeless, addicted and those in need through direct services of food, shelter, clothing and restorative programs.
The Rescue Mission is working to serve the metro area of Las Vegas that is ranked with the fourth highest rate of homelessness in the nation.
Robert Brunner, executive director for the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, said it is partnerships, such as this with NATO, which the Rescue Mission truly values.
"A true mutually beneficial relationship is fostered when both sides of the serving are engaged,” Brunner said. “Here at the Rescue Mission, we seek to not only make an impact in the thousands of lives we are serving daily, but we hope to make an impact on those who come to serve with us.”
NATO board member Andrea Myers added, "We are thrilled to launch this brand new initiative for NATO and look forward to developing our relationship with the Las Vegas Rescue Mission to grow the MWM program in the years to come. We challenge our retailers, manufacturers and distributors to roll up their sleeves and engage in the community for a more meaningful experience in Las Vegas this year."
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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