ASAE Recruits Associations to Oppose Amendment Calling on Limited Government Travel to Meetings
March 22, 2013
Timed with the American Society of Association Executive’s annual legislative fly-in for American Associations Day, held March 18-19, the organization gathered letters to deliver to Senate offices opposing a proposed amendment to H.R. 933 that would prohibit federal agencies from sending more than 25 employees to any meeting or conference held in the United States.
The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), which was offered in response to reports last year of wasteful conference spending by the General Services Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs, was eventually dropped when H.R. 933 passed, allowing the government to continue being funded through the end of Fiscal Year 2013.
More than 350 associations heeded the call for letters that were delivered to Senate offices March 18 stating why they felt the Coburn Amendment would be harmful.
“ASAE supports lawmakers’ efforts to curb wasteful or unnecessary government spending, but Amendment 67 would arbitrarily limit the number of federal employees who can attend a meeting or conference to learn about the latest industry practices and pick up insights from the private sector that could lead to more effective policymaking,” said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE.
He added, “Isolating the government from the industries it regulates is a bad idea. We need to do everything we can to protect the mutually beneficial collaboration that occurs when government and the private sector meet face-to-face.”
Government attendance at meetings was one of the key issues that participants in American Associations Day took to Capitol Hill earlier this week.
ASAE’s annual legislative fly-in, which was part of the overall Power of a Week March 13-19, is attended by association professionals from more than 30 states, who come to Washington to share their concerns with their legislators and promote the value of the association community to the economy and society as a whole, according to ASAE officials.
Please click HERE to read the Coburn Amendment S.AMDT 67. This amendment is one of 99 filed that were originally attached to continuing resolution H.R. 933.
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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