ONEIDA, NY – The Oneida Indian Nation made significant investments in Upstate New York in 2022 and continued this trend into 2023 with increased expenditures with vendors from Oneida, Madison, and Onondaga Counties by 25 percent. Additionally, the Nation’s capital investments rose by 23 percent compared to the previous year, and there was an 18 percent increase in payroll spending.
In the last year, the Oneida Indian Nation:
- Increased spending with vendors in the three-county area by $28,446,633 spent with 792 vendors ($142,510,064 total)
- Increased investment in capital projects by $18,512,247 ($100,304,882 total)
- Increased payroll spending by $34,394,256 ($220,736,217 total)
During 2023, the Nation opened the first dispensary for Verona Collective, its seed-to-sale cannabis operation, expanded nightlife offerings at Turning Stone Resort Casino’s Exit 33 with the creation of NY Rec & Social Club, opened the fourth and largest Maple Leaf Market convenience store and updated conference and event spaces with new technology and decor throughout Turning Stone. The Nation’s investment in its team grew outside of wage increases as well during 2023 with TS Marketplace, a new team-members-only dining venue at Turning Stone, and the creation of many new job opportunities at Verona Collective and NY Rec & Social Club.
“Constant reinvestment and strong partnerships have been the foundations to our success,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “With the evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino ahead, we are excited to continue growing these investments and partnerships for the benefit of the Oneida people, our workforce and the region as a whole.”
“The Oneida Indian Nation has shown time and again that it is a committed partner in the economic success of Central New York,” said Robert Simpson, President of CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity. “Its investments play a pivotal role in supporting existing businesses and providing new opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs. This economic impact data communicates the Nation’s ongoing commitment to economic development in the region – helping area businesses thrive, bringing new people to the region as a tourism destination, and serving as an engine of job creation that creates opportunities for residents and families.”
“We are grateful for the historic investments the Oneida Indian Nation has made in our members and in our community,” said Greg Lancette, President of Central/Northern Building Trades. “The evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino will dramatically expand these already historic investments and create a new level of opportunity with more good-paying jobs in the trades for workers throughout the region.”
“When the Oneida Indian Nation invests in its enterprises, they are also investing in the success of the Mohawk Valley,” said Steve DiMeo, Mohawk Valley EDGE President. “These continued investments have had a transformational effect on economic development throughout the region, supporting local businesses, creating new jobs, and growing tourism. With the coming evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino, this impact is poised for exponential future growth.”
While 2023 was another year of major investments from the Oneida Indian Nation, they do not include spending related to the upcoming evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino. The largest expansion of the resort in 20 years is anticipated to begin later this year and will double existing event space and add a hotel, new restaurants, outdoor spaces and other amenities throughout the property. These additions and updates will make Turning Stone the largest convention center in Upstate New York and one of three venues of similar size and quality in the state.
The multi-year project is expected to generate a one-time economic impact exceeding $600 million, create 3,600 one-time local jobs and generate more than $22 million in state and local tax revenues. Upon completion, the property’s expansions will continue to generate spending with local vendors and accelerate growth of the Nation’s workforce while having a dramatic impact on Upstate New York’s economy.
In addition to investments related to the evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino, a recent economic impact analysis conducted by Oxford Economics reported that in 2022 alone, Turning Stone and the Oneida Indian Nation’s other enterprises produced a more than $1 billion economic impact within Upstate New York.
The same analysis also determined that since 2013, the Oneida Indian Nation has contributed more than $642 million in Silver Covenant payments under the 2013 Agreement between the Nation, New York State and Oneida and Madison Counties, including $85 million in the past. During the last decade, these payments have generated $174.5 million for Oneida County, $42.5 million for Madison County, $31.2 million for Onondaga County and $341.2 million for the New York State General Fund, in addition to funding for seven other counties throughout Upstate New York. Beyond these funds, which support a wide range of public services and programs, the Nation’s Silver Covenant payments have also during this period generated a $1.15 billion total economic impact, generated 4,700 jobs and produced over $78 million in total state and local tax revenues.