MGM MIRAGE is one of 15 U.S. companies to receive the 2006 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This prestigious award is the highest honor a company can receive from the Department of Defense for exceptional support above the requirements of federal law.
The Freedom Award is sponsored by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense. Award recipients are nominated by their employees who voluntarily serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
"When called to serve, employees and their families should not concern themselves with questions about pay and benefits. Their only concern should be their service to our nation," said MGM MIRAGE Chairman and CEO Terry Lanni. "MGM MIRAGE is extremely proud to support these employees and to accept this award on their behalf."
As part of its benefits package, MGM MIRAGE provides employees who are deployed for military service with 100% of their base pay. Average tip income is also provided to eligible employees. Additionally, health benefits are continued at no cost to employees serving in a declared U.S. military action.
"The State of Nevada joins the ESGR in commending MGM MIRAGE for their tremendous support of National Guard and Reserve service members," said Nevada Governor Kenny C. Guinn. "MGM MIRAGE's community involvement has been incredibly beneficial to numerous Nevadans, and their exceptional record of service is a reflection of their commitment to providing essential resources to our communities that will be very important for future generations."
According to Bob Hollingsworth, Executive Director of the National Committee for ESGR, some corporations set the benchmark for others. "By going above and beyond what is required by law, these firms set a high standard for all of America's private and public employers," said Hollingsworth.
In March, MGM MIRAGE was also the recipient of ESGR's Pro Patria Award, recognizing the company for adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.
Established in 1972, the mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR will present the Freedom Awards at a ceremony on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.
About MGM MIRAGE:
MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM), one of the world's leading and most respected hotel and gaming companies, owns and operates 23 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has investments in three other properties in Nevada, New Jersey and Illinois. MGM MIRAGE has also announced plans to develop Project CityCenter, a multi-billion dollar mixed-use urban development project in the heart of Las Vegas, and has a 50 percent interest in MGM Grand Macau, a hotel-casino resort currently under construction in Macau S.A.R. MGM MIRAGE supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its properties. MGM MIRAGE also has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative and its community philanthropy programs. For more information about MGM MIRAGE, please visit the company's website at www.mgmmirage.com.
SOURCE: MGM MIRAGE
CONTACT: Media, Reggie Burton, +1-702-650-7438, reburton@mgmmirage.com,
or Laura Garcia, +1-702-650-7439, lgarcia@mgmmirage.com, both of MGM MIRAGE
Web site: http://www.mgmmirage.com/