Lanni offers to talk to NAACP

Wednesday, May 31, 2000 | 10:41 a.m.

The loudest opposition to the merger between Mirage Resorts Inc. and MGM Grand Inc. came from an unexpected source Tuesday -- the NAACP.

Gene Collins, president of the NAACP's local chapter, and local NAACP member Stanley Washington spoke out against the merger in hearings before the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Washington said he was concerned about the loss of Mirage, which he said spent $5 million to $10 million in business with minority vendors over the last several years. By comparison, Washington said MGM Grand had spent just $850,000 with minority vendors over that period.

"Spending $850,000 (with minority businesses) out of $500 million does not sound like diversity to me," Washington said.

Collins then said MGM Grand officials had been unwilling to sit down with minority businesses to discuss development opportunities for minority neighborhoods, such as West Las Vegas. Jackson Ave., he suggested, could become the type of destination that the French Quarter is in New Orleans.

"(African-Americans) spent $2 billion a year with these gentlemens' properties, yet not a nickel has been returned to the black businessman and woman," Collins said. "It's a travesty. All we ask is for an opportunity to sit down and talk with these gentlemen."

The remarks irked MGM Grand officials, who had just finished telling regulators of the company's commitment to diversity -- and a workforce with minority representation that meets or exceeds that of the cities where its properties are based.

"I think our company's record is sincere and progressive in moving people up," said J. Terrence Lanni, chairman of MGM Grand. "If the record (of low minority business transactions) is as presented, we will correct that."

Lanni bristled at the suggestion he was ducking black business leaders.

"I have never failed to meet with anyone who ever wanted to meet with me on any occasion," Lanni said. "If Mr. Collins knew me, he'd know a simple phone call would work better than writing threatening letters."

Collins said the NAACP was pleased to hear the company was willing to talk about opportunities for minority businesses.

"We at the NAACP are ready to do business," Collins said.