MGM Resorts And UNLV To Launch Policy Think Tank

LAS VEGAS, March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) today announced a partnership to establish a think tank that will seek bipartisan solutions to a range of economic, social, political and workplace issues. The MGM Resorts Public Policy Institute at UNLV will be co-chaired by Senator Harry Reid and Speaker John Boehner and will focus on wide-ranging, substantive, and relevant national and international policy issues that impact the travel, tourism, hospitality, and gaming industries and the global communities in which they operate.

"I'm excited about the possibilities the Institute offers to proactively explore issues and develop bipartisan policy solutions – especially on topics that matter to our workforce, our communities and the industries in which we play a leading role," said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. "I'm pleased to have a partnership with UNLV, a leading academic and research institution, and am deeply honored to have the guidance and involvement of Senator Reid and Speaker Boehner."

The development of the Institute is an important part of MGM Resorts' ongoing efforts to expand its leadership in broader conversations on matters of public policy and will continue to bolster UNLV's already strong engagement on a wide variety of national and international issues.

Len Jessup, president of UNLV said, "Identifying solutions to complex public-policy issues can only be achieved through robust debate and our university – with its diverse expertise and capacity for community engagement – is a natural setting.  We look forward to working with the leadership of MGM Resorts and the Institute co-chairs to further define a compelling research and policy agenda."  The Institute will be housed in UNLV's School of Public Policy and Leadership within the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs. 

Senator Reid and Speaker Boehner jointly stated, "While our public opposition on issues may be more storied than our private friendship, we have successfully collaborated on complex problems and signature ideas and look forward to doing so again.  As passionate and committed believers in the importance of public service, we are eager to work with MGM Resorts and UNLV to inspire a new generation to serve their country through public office."

Work will begin at the Institute later this year pending formal approval by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents. 

About Senator Harry Reid and Speaker John Boehner
Born in Searchlight, Nevada, Harry Reid served 30 years in the U.S. Senate and is the longest serving Senator from the state. During his Senate career, he served as the Senate Majority Leader, Democratic Leader, Majority Whip, and Minority Whip.  Senator Reid is renowned for tirelessly working to improve conditions in his home state by promoting economic development, investing in infrastructure and clean energy development, and championing Nevada's role as the country's premiere entertainment and gaming destination. 

In addition to his role with the Institute, Senator Reid recently accepted the role of Distinguished Fellow at UNLV's Boyd School of Law.

John Boehner represented Ohio's 8^th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 25 years, during which he served as Speaker of the House, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader.  Speaker Boehner's experience as a small businessman informed his time in Congress, where he spent his career fighting for sound fiscal, and regulatory policies that would drive employment and economic growth.  After his long tenure in the House, Speaker Boehner in 2016 joined Squire Patton Boggs as a strategic advisor.

About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality and entertainment companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company opened MGM National Harbor in Maryland on December 8, 2016, and is in the process of developing MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. 

MGM Resorts is named among FORTUNE® Magazine's 2017 list of World's Most Admired Companies®. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

About UNLV:
UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution of approximately 29,000 students and more than 3,000 faculty and staff that is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a research university with high research activity. UNLV offers a broad range of respected academic programs and is on a path to join the top tier of national public research universities. The university is committed to recruiting and retaining top students and faculty, educating the region's diversifying population and workforce, driving economic activity through increased research and community partnerships, and creating an academic health center for Southern Nevada that includes the launch of a School of Medicine.  UNLV is located on a 332-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in Southern Nevada. Learn more at UNLV.edu

SOURCE MGM Resorts International

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