Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (January 25, 2024) — After a year of record-breaking investments in Upstate New York during 2022, the Oneida Indian Nation continued its commitment to serving as an economic engine in the region with a 25 percent increase in spending with Oneida, Madison and Onondaga County vendors in 2023. The Nation’s capital investments also grew substantially in 2023 with a 23 percent increase over 2022, while payroll spending increased by 18 percent.
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)
This increased investment reflects the Oneida Indian Nation’s commitment to the continuous diversification of its enterprises and the growth of Upstate New York’s economy. 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. Its investments play a pivotal role in supporting existing businesses and providing new opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said CenterState CEO President Robert Simpson. “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 Central/Northern Building Trades President Greg Lancette. “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 Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steve DiMeo. “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, these do not include any spending related to the upcoming evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino. The largest expansion of the resort in two decades 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. Together, these additions and updates will make Turning Stone the largest convention center in Upstate New York and one of just three venues of similar size and caliber in the state.
This massive, 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. At the same time, the evolution will continue to expand spending with local vendors and accelerate growth of the Nation’s workforce, one of the largest in the region. When complete, this transformation will also have a dramatic impact on Upstate New York’s economy for generations to come, expanding the resort’s and the region’s marketing reach throughout the Northeast to attract larger and more prestigious organizations and events.
In addition to investments related to the evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino, a recent economic impact analysis conducted by Oxford Economics, one of the world’s leading independent global advisory firms, 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 year alone. 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.