MGM Grand touts its minority business practices

Friday, June 2, 2000 | 10:54 a.m.

MGM Grand Inc. Chairman J. Terrence Lanni defended his company's track record of minority hiring and investment, following a public challenge of MGM Grand's minority business policies by the local chapter of the NAACP.

During Tuesday's hearings before the Nevada Gaming Control Board, local NAACP member Stanley Washington claimed MGM Grand had spent just $850,000 with minority businesses over the last several years out of $500 million. By comparison, Washington claimed merger partner Mirage Resorts Inc. had spent $5 million to $10 million over that time.

On Thursday, Lanni said such claims were simply untrue.

In reality, Lanni said, MGM Grand has spent $40.2 million in purchases with minority-owned businesses, and an additional $12 million in construction contracts. Lanni said he sent a letter with these figures to the control board. "That's just MGM Grand in Las Vegas," Lanni said. "I personally am very sensitive to the issue of affirmative action and giving people an opportunity."

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