BUILDING EXCITEMENT.
LIMITED EDITION
MGMNationalHarbor.com
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From the very beginning, we declared that MGM National Harbor is committed to working with local and certified minority-owned businesses, especially those here in Prince George’s County.” Lorenzo Creighton, President and Chief Operating Officer, MGM National Harbor
MGM National Harbor President and COO Lorenzo Creighton greets MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren at the Career Showcase in June 2014. In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2015 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com
PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF D. Kevin McNeir, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director Lafayette Barnes, IV, Assistant Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor Brian Young, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist Angie Johnson, Circulation REPORTERS Stacy Brown, Sam P.K. Collins, Eve Ferguson, Elton Hayes, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, Kia Croom, Sarafina Wright
PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. DeFreitas, Shevry Lassiter, Roy Lewis, Corey Parrish, Travis Riddick, Nancy Shia
From left to right: Janie Oliver, Governor Larry Hogan, Bryant Roccael Cruz and speaking is Chairman and CEO Jim Murren.
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The Washington Informer
July 30 - Aug 5, 2015
The Washington Informer - MGM National Harbor Special Issue on Diversity / August 2015
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How We’re Building Excitement − Together Working together with the community has been an integral part of our commitment since Day One at MGM National Harbor. It’s at the core of our company culture, and today, we’d like to share more about our commitment with you. In the pages that follow, we invite you to read about everything we’re doing to build this destination resort. You’ll learn about the community partnerships we’ve made and our tireless efforts to expand those partnerships within the region. You’ll read a little about the history of the region, and how we are dedicated to honoring and preserving it. You’ll read about the future impact our destination resort will have on the local economy and the career opportunities we will provide for thousands. Most importantly, you’ll see just how strong our commitments to community, philanthropy and diversity are at MGM National Harbor, and hear straight from the leaders and partners who are making it happen.
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Celebrating History, While Making History Addison School renovation is part of our commitment to expanding community partnerships. The site of the abandoned Thomas Addison Elementary School represents much more than a community landmark. It’s a key part of the storied
will spearhead the project in close coordination with the MGM design team, and will be led by its president and CEO, Ronald D. Lipford, a resident of Prince George’s County.
history of Prince George’s County and a reminder of an influential family’s legacy. It commemorates the past. And soon, it will help usher in the future.
“From the very beginning, MGM National Harbor has been committed to working with local and certified minority-owned businesses, especially those here in Prince George’s County,” Creighton said. “Arel Architects comes highly recommended and we are impressed, not only with Ron’s strong roots in the community, but also by his company’s record of results. We’re confident we’ve found a strong partner.”
The site where the resort will sit, on a hilltop overlooking the picturesque Potomac River, is rich with history. The leadership of MGM National Harbor understands that this landmark project isn’t just about building a resort near Oxon Hill Manor, the crown jewel of Prince George’s County, Maryland. It’s about building something far more important; something tied to the very foundation of its company culture. It’s about building local partnerships by working to ensure that thousands of jobs, tens of millions in payroll, and robust local and minority business opportunities stay in Prince George’s County during construction and operation of the new resort. MGM National Harbor is set to open in the second half of 2016, but its leadership team has been creating and expanding these vital local partnerships from the project’s outset. While leading the effort to bring MGM National Harbor to Prince George’s County, Lorenzo Creighton, president and chief operating officer, worked with county officials and the school district to make a strategic investment. Together, they agreed that MGM National Harbor would take what is now the vacant Thomas Addison Elementary School and invest $4 million to renovate and repurpose the site. After serving as a staging area for the construction of the resort and casino, and as its employment center where approximately 3,600 new team members will be hired and trained, the fully modernized facility will be returned to Prince George’s County for use as a community center. Arel Architects, a certified minority-owned business located in the Temple Hills community of Prince George’s County,
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It will take approximately 12 months for the construction teams to fully renovate and modernize the school, which sits on more than seven acres and is a historic remnant of one of the many contributions made by the Addison family. The school has remained vacant for more than five years in a state of disrepair. Now, MGM National Harbor will honor the legacy of the Addison family, which contributed significantly to the development of the capital region and the emancipation of slavery.
A Founding Family of Prince George’s County The legacy of the Addison family of Oxon Hill Manor dates back to the 1600s in colonial America. In fact, they are among the oldest families in the region, whose contributions can still be seen today throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The patriarch, St. John Addison (1635–1705), was a businessman, politician and farmer in Maryland. St. John led the Protestant revolution in Maryland for King William and Queen Mary, a revolution that created Prince George’s County. He formed St. John’s College and also St. John’s Church near the White House. His son Thomas became the first surveyor of Prince George’s County. In 1791, Congress passed the Act of Cession that created Washington, D.C., as the new home of the federal government. The four counties at the time consisted of Georgetown, Hamburger, Alexandria and the Eastern Branch, now known as Prince George’s County. St.
The Washington Informer - MGM National Harbor Special Issue on Diversity / August 2015
The Thomas Addison Elementary School.
John’s great-grandson, also named Thomas, signed the Act turning over the Eastern Branch to the newly formed nation’s capital. Perhaps the family’s most significant contribution came from St. John’s great-grandson Rev. Walter D. Addison. Walter was a U.S. Senate Chaplain and slave abolitionist who owned and lived on the family plantation alone for many years, with just his 20 inherited slaves. He founded a school on the site of the existing Thomas Addison Elementary School near Oxon Hill Manor.
Passing on the Addison Family History In the year 1800, something unprecedented happened. Walter freed all of his slaves, more than 65 years before the end of slavery, and just months before Congress held its first legislative session in the new nation’s capital. Walter’s former slaves, who acquired the Addison family name, inherited Oxon Hill Manor and other land on the Eastern Branch of Washington, D.C. The black Addisons resided in the city for more than 200 years. They went
on to establish their own place in history, fighting for the prosperity and equality of African-Americans in the region. The Addisons were instrumental in working with President Lincoln and Frederick Douglass to create the D.C. Emancipation Act that finally freed the slaves in the District of Columbia in 1865. “The Anacostia has been the beacon of freedom for America,” said Christian Addison, a seventh generation Washington descendent of the Addison family. “The Underground Railroad was headquartered here and my ancestors, who were the original freedom strivers, were born here. My ancestors, black and white, have led the way for equality. They built the roads, named the streets, created the culture, freed the people, financed our D.C. Emancipation Act and established our democracy. It all started at Oxon Hill Manor, where we gained our freedom at the cross waters of D.C.’s three major waterways. So in all my endeavors, the District of Columbia and Anacostia will be near to my heart. So let it be said, we are Anacostians.”
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From left to right: Chairman and CEO Jim Murren, Governor Larry Hogan, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker and President and COO of MGM National Harbor Lorenzo Creighton.
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From left to right: Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker and Governor Larry Hogan.
The Washington Informer - MGM National Harbor Special Issue on Diversity / August 2015
A Message from MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren and Executive Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, Phyllis James Building Vision into Reality It’s been three years since we first visited Prince George’s County with the vision of bringing a world-class destination resort to MGM National Harbor. Since falling in love with the area on that first trip – the community, its history, and its people – we’ve grown more excited with every step as we build our vision into reality. Visit the area today and you will see we are well on our way to bringing the MGM Resorts International brand of luxury and excitement to this idyllic waterfront destination. You can witness our 10 tower cranes reaching across the sky and hundreds of people hard at work on our project site. With an investment of $1.3 billion, we are introducing thousands of goodpaying jobs to Prince George’s County, first through the resort’s construction and ultimately its operations when we open in 2016. We are proud to also bring opportunities for local and minority-owned businesses to participate in this historic effort. MGM National Harbor will be a first for the area in many ways. Not only will it be Prince George’s County’s first destination casino resort, but it will redefine the casino resort experience for the region, with amenities far beyond the gaming-only offerings currently in the area. With deep-rooted commitments to corporate social responsibility and excellence in all we do, MGM Resorts International is building something of which we can be proud, and something we believe you will be proud to have in your community. Earlier this year we took a moment away from construction to celebrate the 1,000th member of our construction workforce. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Prince George’s County executive Rushern Baker and many others from our community attended an event held on our construction site to mark the date with us. We were particularly proud when Governor Hogan told those gathered that he considered MGM National Harbor one of the most important economic development projects in Maryland history. In the months ahead we will share new details about the resort and all the very special offerings that will further elevate the region’s already strong tourism draw. We look forward to being a part of your community, to fulfilling the governor’s expectations and yours, and to welcoming you through our doors soon. Sincerely,
Jim Murren
Phyllis James
Chairman and CEO MGM Resorts International
Executive Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer MGM Resorts International
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The Washington Informer - MGM National Harbor Special Issue on Diversity / August 2015
Welcome to Our Family! Bellagio
MGM National Harbor will proudly take its place among the legendary properties of MGM Resorts International. We’re excited to welcome MGM National Harbor to our family of luxury casino resort
ARIA
MGM Grand
Mandalay Bay
destinations.
The Mirage
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MGM National Harbor − A Must-See Destination Resort Experience for Locals and Visitors Alike MGM National Harbor will be the first-of-its-kind destination resort in Prince George’s County. In keeping with our company culture, MGM National Harbor will provide an experience that will make all of our guests, both locals and visitors, feel right at home. Simply put, MGM National Harbor will be the most well-appointed casino resort destination on the East Coast. Its iconic style, amenities and entertainment offerings will attract visitors from around the globe, placing Prince George’s County and the region on the must-visit list of exciting area attractions. This premium destination will embody the MGM Resorts brand, sharing the legacy of the company’s Las Vegas resorts, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, ARIA and Mandalay Bay, renowned around the world for their luxury hotels, spectacular entertainment, fine dining and high-end retail offerings.
MGM National Harbor will feature premier experiences for locals as well as visitors from around the world with amenities such as:
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A 24-story hotel tower featuring more than 300 luxury hotel rooms and suites
A dynamic casino floor featuring slots, table games and poker
Fine dining from local and celebrity chefs serving a wide variety of cuisines
A 3,000-seat Flexible Entertainment Venue hosting top-name entertainers in a space able to accommodate traditional proscenium shows as well as theatrical acts and sporting events in the round
A world-class spa and salon and 18,000 square feet of high-end branded retail shops
27,000 square feet of flexible meeting space
The Washington Informer - MGM National Harbor Special Issue on Diversity / August 2015
SIGN UP TO BECOME AN
M LIFE MEMBER TODAY mlife.com
We’re still building, but you can already start earning: Sign up and reap the benefits of M life membership. Joining M life, MGM’s rewards program, definitely has its benefits. As an M life member, you’ll enjoy an incredible mix of rewards, perks, privileges and benefits across the country, at MGM Resorts International’s most iconic destinations, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, ARIA and The Mirage in Las Vegas; Beau Rivage; Gold Strike Tunica; MGM Grand Detroit; and the exciting new MGM National Harbor once it opens. Signing up is free and easy. And from day one as a member, you’ll be rewarded for virtually every dollar you spend. Simply enjoy hotel, dining, entertainment and spa experiences – along with slots and table games – as you normally would, and watch the rewards add up quickly. From the best room rates available, comp rewards on gaming, perks like “skip the line” at restaurants and shows,
and presale tickets to select events and concerts, as well as discounts on shows and at retail shops, membership is the ultimate way for living the M life.
To sign up and become an M life MGM Rewards Program member, please visit mlife.com, or inquire at the M life desk on the casino floor at MGM Resorts International resorts.
Follow us today:
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WORKING
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The Washington Informer - MGM National Harbor Special Issue on Diversity / August 2015
to Build Something Special www.washingtoninformer.com
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An Unwavering Commitment to Diversity − It’s Our Culture and It’s How We Do Business At MGM Resorts International, diversity and inclusion are at the very core of our values. We are committed to being first and best, and embrace the responsibility of acknowledging and valuing the contributions of all people. Every employee and every guest adds value to our company. •M GM Resorts was first in the gaming industry to voluntarily adopt a formal diversity policy as an essential business paradigm for success in the modern global economy. As part of that commitment, diversity and inclusion are now deeply embedded into our corporate culture. •W e’ve been honored to be acknowledged as a leader in diversity by such well-regarded publications as Diversity Inc. and Black Enterprise. Our policies have also earned mention on Fortune magazine’s “50 Best Companies for Minorities” index.
O ur diversity programs give us a competitive advantage in recruiting and retaining talent as an employer of choice across racial, ethnic, gender, and cultural and generational lines.
•W e will continue to form partnerships and embrace diversity around the world and right here in the capital region.
Number of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBEs) Engaged
Our Supplier Diversity Initiative is recognized among the best in the nation.
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•O ur diversity initiative has forever changed the profile of our company and has become an indispensable element of our business model. It has helped to evolve and unify our company’s culture with a common mission of shared values. •O ur strategic outreach to diverse and multicultural markets has enabled us to significantly grow our customer base and contribute to the company’s success. These corporate practices have woven diversity and inclusion into our everyday business operations:
Currently, ethnic minorities make up half of our MGM Resort workforce.
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MDOT certified in architectural/engineering phase MDOT certified MBEs in construction/development phase Figures based on GOMA report filed by State of Maryland April 29, 2015.
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The Washington Informer - MGM National Harbor Special Issue on Diversity / August 2015
MGM National Harbor MBE Partners
Bill Lo President, Crystal Steel Fabricators
Nakita Reed Principal, Encore Sustainable Design
Jonathan Blunt President and CEO, Essex Construction
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Distinguished Capital Leadership Creating a world-class resort of this caliber in the capital region takes a dedicated team. That’s why we have assembled top talent focused on excellence to build and launch this exciting new property. Our executive team brings a wealth of experience alongside a passion for innovation and great service to MGM National Harbor. Simply put, they are the best in the business and tailor-made for delivering this first-of-its-kind resort.
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Lorenzo Creighton
Bill Boasberg
Logan Gaskill
President and COO
General Manager
Vice President of Human Resources
The Washington Informer - MGM National Harbor Special Issue on Diversity / August 2015
Danielle White
Sarah Dawson
Yvonne Mrha
Regional Vice President, Community Engagement
Director of Talent Acquisition and Development
Vice President of Finance
Erik Lewis
Suzette Meade
Brian Banks
Executive Director of Procurement
Regional Vice President, Communications
Director of Government Affairs
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MGM Proving Its Commitment to Prince George’s County, Region By Stacy M. Brown, WI Contributing Writer
MGM’s commitment to invest millions of dollars into the community even before its world-class casino and resort opens next year at MGM National Harbor is already reaping plenty of benefits. The team behind the planned $1.3 billion resort stands out as examples of what officials, minority stakeholders in the community, potential employees and others should seek when major development takes place in their backyard. “I’m very excited about where things are,” said Logan Gaskill, the vice president of Human Resources for MGM National Harbor, the world-class resort scheduled to open in the second half of next year with attractions that include a casino, hotel, high-end retail shops, luxury spa, 3,000-seat theater, 27,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and a 5,000-space parking structure. The excitement expressed by Gaskill also extends to a special partnership MGM National Harbor has developed with local schools like Prince George’s Community College, he said. “When we came into the community, it was important to partner with local education partners like Prince George’s Community College because they had an existing hospitality program,” Gaskill said. “We helped establish the MGM Hospitality Express course with Prince George’s Community College introducing people to the hospitality industry,” he said.
advancement already realized by some employed at MGM, easily demonstrate success. When the resort opens, there will be more than 100 different types of positions to fill, but many in the community remain unaware of what it takes to work in the highly regulated industry.
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MGM National Harbor values its employees and provides an atmosphere in which an individual can excel.”
With that, the partnership with the community college provides MGM officials an opportunity to expose potential employees to the various aspects of the business, such has how to greet individuals at a resort, what goes into being a front- or back-of-the-house worker at the resort’s restaurants and, of course, the ins and outs of working in casino gaming.
“We want to give exposure to people as to what it takes to work at a resort and to what it takes to provide an amazing guest experience.”
Gaskill said those who come to work for the casino resort will quickly find that MGM National Harbor values its employees and provides an atmosphere in which an individual can excel.
The company hopes that those in the community take full advantage of the college program, and Gaskill said strong career prospects, a solid partnership with colleges and the
Plenty of opportunities abound and residents are welcome to take advantage, he said.
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The Washington Informer - MGM National Harbor Special Issue on Diversity / August 2015
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“We want, as we continue this process and ultimately open and operate, people to say they’ve advanced their career in numerous ways,” said Gaskill, the man responsible for talent acquisition and development, organizational design and effectiveness, employee engagement, culture, employee labor relations and employee communications. Gaskill’s impressive track record includes serving as part of the Caesars Entertainment team, working in various human resources capacities including director of human resources for Harrah’s Philadelphia, Vice President of Human Resources and Community Relations at Harrah’s New Orleans, and as executive associate to the executive vice president of human resources. However, nothing compares to MGM, he said. “My experience at MGM has been phenomenal. The team is very passionate everywhere and they are excited about this project,” Gaskill said. “It’s not only about the project, but also about becoming part of the community, about providing job opportunities and meeting construction goals, and overall about living up to the commitment we have made,” he said.
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It’s not only about the project, but also about becoming part of the community, about providing job opportunities...”
“One of the things I most admire about this company is that among its core values is a commitment to the importance of diversity. Diversity plays a role in every conversation we have at MGM.”
Additionally, about 43 percent of employees in the supervisory ranks are women and 38 percent are minorities. The company has also lived up to its commitment to provide jobs and career opportunities in the region. Earlier this year, MGM celebrated the hiring of its 1,000th member of the construction workforce for this project. Goals established in a Community Benefits Agreement with Prince George’s County have also been exceeded. Of the $64.5 million spent on construction in 2014, more than $20 million – or 31 percent – was spent on minority-owned businesses against an overall project goal of 30 percent. Gaskill said hiring for MGM National Harbor should ramp up by the end of March to early April of next year for the larger departments, while hiring for other jobs at the site should begin by June. He advised that now would be an opportune time for those seeking employment to identify the job or career they want to pursue at MGM and to get a head start. Careers in food service, bartending, security, human resources, finance, community relations and many others will soon be available. “We encourage people not to wait until the job is posted, but to get themselves into a better position and to be ready for the job,” Gaskill said. “We are looking for people to come here and to stay here in the organization. When they work here, work for us, it’s to grow their career locally, nationally and even internationally. We want to offer high-quality career opportunities.”
The organization earned praise for its diversity and inclusion initiatives with approximately 64 percent of MGM’s 62,000 employees across the company identified as minorities.
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The Washington Informer - MGM National Harbor Special Issue on Diversity / August 2015
From left to right: Denise Ware PGCC, Bill Boasberg MGM National Harbor, Camye Mackey MGM National Harbor, Dr. Charlene Dukes PGCC, Logan Gaskill MGM National Harbor and Dr. Yvette Snowden PGCC.
Find Your Career at MGM National Harbor MGM National Harbor is not just about creating thousands of exciting new jobs; it’s about building careers. Career opportunities at our resorts come in a wide range of employment positions, from line level to senior level; and in a variety of fields, from management and administration to finance, hotel operations, engineering and beyond. At most of our resorts, we employ team members in more than 100 job categories, ranging from those requiring advanced degrees to those requiring no more than a positive attitude and a willingness to work. These represent not just entry-level jobs, but an opportunity to build a career in the exciting and burgeoning hospitality industry. A position with MGM Resorts International is a launching pad for many. With the right attitude, employees have unlimited opportunities. Many of the people we hire will be from Prince George’s County and other parts of Maryland. Along with relationships with Prince George’s Community College,
Bowie State University, University of Maryland, Prince George’s County Workforce Development, The Training Source and Melwood, MGM National Harbor is committed to ensuring that jobs stay within Prince George’s County. We are working hard to provide job training for our future employees so they can have the skills they need to grow careers with us. We are confident we will quickly become one of the area’s most admired employers.
Interested in seeing positions currently available at our other resorts?
View our Career Opportunities website by visiting mgmresortscareers.com.
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MGM National Harbor — MGM National Harbor is creating
3,600 new career opportunities
Benefiting the Community
MGM National Harbor is transforming the Prince George’s County economy every day. The major benefits that MGM National Harbor brings to Prince George’s County include: •C reating thousands of good paying
The resort, scheduled to open in the second half of 2016, is a short distance south of Washington, D.C. MGM National Harbor is being designed and built to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Design (LEED) Gold certification. Every element throughout the resort’s interior and exterior architecture was designed with sustainability in mind, including extensive use of natural light, LED lighting and water-saving fixtures.
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jobs and career opportunities •P roviding financial growth and a
steady revenue •O nce opened, 50 percent of the
permanent jobs will be offered to Prince George’s County residents •M GM National Harbor will create over
$350 million in contracts and job opportunities to minorities
The Washington Informer - MGM National Harbor Special Issue on Diversity / August 2015
This is only the beginning. Perhaps the most exciting component of this entire journey is that we’re just getting started. During the next year, you’ll continue to witness tremendous progress, right here in Prince George’s County. And once MGM National Harbor opens, the experience will be unlike anything else in the region. We can’t wait to bring it all to you, and that goes for every member of our leadership team, all the way up to our president and COO, Lorenzo Creighton:
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I think the thing I am going to enjoy most will be the unique opportunity we will have at MGM National Harbor, where guests will be able to merge the fine dining, great entertainment and relaxing feel of a luxury resort with the distinctive offerings of this area. The history, culture and events come alive like nowhere else. To have the amenities of an MGM resort set against the backdrop of Maryland and Washington, D.C., is going to present unparalleled appeal to travelers.”
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BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION
Building a world-class resort requires building on the diversity that makes a community strong. MGM National Harbor is working with the people who represent the best of the region’s talented and skilled workforce. Like Derrick Parks of Metropolitan Protective Services Inc., which provides physical security for the construction site; Nieshia Harris, apprentice electrician; and Eric Coates, an environmental health and safety manager with McKissak & McKissak. Working together, MGM National Harbor will ensure that the foundation of our new resort is as strong as the foundation of this community.
#MeetTheTeam
Building Excitement.
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