NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., (October 15, 2015) – MGM National Harbor, LLC, a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM), announced today a contract has been awarded to its 100^th Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Parkinson Construction Company, who will provide concrete masonry services as part of the development of the $1.4 billion integrated resort project.  

“We are pleased to reach this important milestone for the MGM National Harbor project, which has been accomplished through a strong, dedicated team. It further demonstrates our continued momentum toward embedding diversity in every phase of the development,” said Lorenzo Creighton, President and COO for MGM National Harbor.  “We are expanding the economic opportunities within our community through approximately $350 million in spending with MBE contractors. We look forward to sharing more news about our shared successes,” Creighton continued. 

Nigel Parkinson Sr., President, Parkinson Construction commented, “We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting project and I am glad to see MGM National Harbor making minority-owned businesses such a priority. For our company, which is the largest African American contractor in the area to provide these services, the National Harbor contract means jobs and the opportunity to work on a high-profile project.  It’s a project that comes around once in a lifetime,” Parkinson added.

Parkinson Construction joins a list of esteemed MBEs already working on the project, including Tobar Construction Inc., an Hispanic-American owned construction company headquartered in Prince George’s County, along with Crystal Steel Fabricators, an Asian-American owned metal fabrication company.

“There will be many more minority business contracts yet to come,” Creighton added.  “We are committed to spending $350 million on MBEs and in the next year and a half we will continue our march toward that goal."

In addition, MGM National Harbor is investing time, talent and resources to meet its goals on diversity and inclusion. Barbara Holder has been appointed the Senior Diversity Manager for MGM National Harbor. Holder and her team have been working diligently to engage more than 100 MBEs to develop this world-class resort.  Holder also has the responsibility for the management, oversight and implementation of all aspects of the Diversity Program, including fulfillment of the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with Prince George’s County.
 
Holder said, “MGM Resorts International has long been the gold standard within the hospitality and entertainment industry for diversity initiatives. I am proud to work on a project that showcases what a true commitment to diversity is all about. I look forward to working together with the community to build a top-flight construction workforce for MGM National Harbor that reflects what’s unique and special about Prince George’s County.” 
 
MGM National Harbor is expected to open in the second half of 2016 as the Greater Washington D.C. region’s first fully-integrated destination gaming resort.