AmericasMart Atlanta, Oriental Rug Importers Association Sign Three-year Pact
January 17, 2012
In a continued commitment to the AmericasMart Atlanta’s January Atlanta International Area Rug Market, the Oriental Rug Importers Association recently signed a three-year sponsorship agreement for the event.
In conjunction with the Atlanta Rug Market, ORIA holds the National Oriental Rug Show (NORS), a show for importers and manufacturers of hand-made, machine-made and antique rugs.
“The ORIA - AmericasMart partnership creates an important global platform for the area rug industry,” said Jeffrey DeSantis, ORIA president.
He added, “Our membership represents the vast majority of the U.S. area rug industry, with huge capacity for innovation and growth. AmericasMart and its formidable markets, resources and services continues to play a key role in our pursuit of that growth.”
ORIAis a national trade association formed in 1958 to foster ethical business practices and promote the best interests of the Oriental rug trade in the United States and in countries that produce Oriental rugs.
ORIA membership has grown to include area rug importers and manufacturers, including more than 70 leading U.S. based importers, wholesalers and manufacturers of area rugs and oriental carpets whose products sell at retail in all of the 50 states.
ORIA member firms have products from countries such as India, Pakistan, China, Nepal, Tibet, Turkey, Romania and Iran.
“This partnership perfectly captures a call to industry stewardship which we are privileged to answer,” said Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., president and COO of AmericasMart Atlanta.
He added, “If we can help give voice to the U.S. area rug community in the global marketplace in ways that will advance its present and future prospects, then we hope our contributions will be appropriate to the ORIA mission.”
The new three-year pact, an extension of one that’s existing, will begin with next year’s January 2013 Atlanta International Area Rug Market that features the National Oriental Rug Show.
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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