ASAE Board Approves Budget, New Diversity + Inclusion Initiatives

August 16, 2016

Before the 2016 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, held Aug.13-16 in Salt Lake City, the ASAE Board adopted a Diversity + Inclusion advocacy and policy model and approved new contract language for future events.

The board also received updates on the major strategic initiatives, new AssociaMetrics platform and passed the budget, which includes Fiscal Year 2017 (FY 17) Program of Work and specific projects in all areas of ASAE and the ASAE Foundation.

ASAE developed a business model that offers accountability and flexibility for D+I advocacy and policy influencing social justice issues, which will help ASAE determine what’s best for the organization and its members and will be piloted during FY17.

The board approved an Anti-Discrimination Clause for future convention center/hotel contracts to be consistent with ASAE’s policy on Diversity + Inclusion.

"The strategic initiatives ASAE continues to advance for our community are game changers, including the new XDP event scheduled to launch May 2017 and the diversity and inclusion work,” said ASAE Chair Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, FACHE, CPA, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of APICS.

He added, “The board believes these projects will benefit the association sector, engage its members, and raise the visibility on how associations’ impact in society.”

The board passed the budget and work relating to the FY17 including: Great Ideas Asia Pacific, XDP, Hybrid Membership Model, and a new learning and talent development platform. The board also received updates from the ASAE Foundation and ABSI.

“Over the past year, ASAE has progressed on a several important initiatives, including research and advocacy. The Foundation has launched a new online platform called AssociaMetrics, which provides a central point for industry benchmarking data for ASAE members. ASAE’s Advocacy team has done a tremendous job on educating policymakers on issues that impact the industry, including the new overtime rule,” said Scott D. Wiley, FASAE, CAE, president and CEO of Ohio Society of CPAs, who will become chair of the ASAE Board.

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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.