Trade Show Companies Give Back to Their Communities
September 6, 2016
The trade show industry has a history of being generous to its surrounding communities, and a few companies recently have lent a helping hand to those in need.
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, based in Hauppauge, N.Y., continues to be a strong supporter of Long Island Cares, the nonprofit organization based in the same town and founded by the late Harry Chapin, which brings together resources to benefit the hungry on Long Island and meet other vital humanitarian needs.
SmartSource, which has a longstanding tradition of raising funds and volunteerism on behalf of Long Island Cares, recently made yet another contribution.
Approximately 35 staff members from the company’s Hauppauge headquarters raised $1,000 for Long Island Cares, which was matched by SmartSource for a total contribution of $2,000.
Last year, a team of SmartSource employees headed to the Long Island Cares warehouse to volunteer in its Warehouse Sorting & Repacking Program.
On its 30th anniversary, SmartSource made a sizeable contribution to the organization in honor of its founder, Julian Sandler, for whom fighting hunger was a top priority.
Helen Brett Enterprises, producers of the New Orleans Gift and Jewelry Show, designated their August show as a collection point for donations to South Louisiana residents, who were affected by catastrophic flooding.
HBE provided donors with a voucher for a free guest badge, as a ‘thank you’ for donating. Attendees donated 12,140 pounds of non-perishable food items, personal toiletries, cleaning supplies and bottled water.
Freeman volunteered their services to load the items into two trucks and transport them to Second Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans and Acadiana, where the items were transported to their distribution channels in the affected areas.
“All of us at Helen Brett Enterprisers are humbled by our attendee’s and exhibitor’s giving spirit,” said Brett Kolinek, president, Helen Brett Enterprises.
He added, “We started off with the idea of doing a small part in helping an area that has supported us for so many years and we are completely inspired by the generosity of our loyal customers, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center staff, Freeman and the onsite team from Helen Brett Enterprises. Our thoughts and prayers are with those in need right now.”
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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