Oneida Indian Nation quantifies its 2023 economic impact

VERONA — The Oneida Indian Nation increased regional vendor spending by 25 percent, grew capital investments by 23 percent, and increased payroll spending by 18 percent in 2023. That’s all before it even begins a multimillion project to expand Turning Stone Resort Casino later this year, according to a news release from the Oneida Indian Nation. “Constant reinvestment and strong partnerships have been the foundations to our success,” Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter said in the release. “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.” Spending with 792 vendors in Oneida, Madison, and Onondaga counties increased by $28.4 million to $142.5 million for 2023, while the nation increased investments in capital projects by $18.5 million for a total of $100.3 million last year. During the year, the nation expanded its offerings at Turning Stone with the creation of NY Rec & Social Club, opened its fourth and largest Maple Leaf Market convenience store, updated Turning Stone’s conference and event spaces with new technology and décor, and opened the first dispensary for its Verona Collective seed-to-sale cannabis operation.

“We’re building new dispensaries, this massive community center, the evolution (of Turning Stone). It’s a lot of growth, a lot of development, and it’s putting a lot of people to work,” Joel Barkin, VP of communications, tells The Central New York Business Journal.  The Oneida Indian Nation increased payroll spending by $34.4 million in 2023 to a total of $220.7 million. “We’ve added jobs in lots of different areas and also increased starting wages in a number of areas,” Barkin says. It has also invested in its team with the opening of TS Marketplace, an employee-only dining venue at Turning Stone and the creation of new job opportunities at Verona Collective and NY Rec & Social Club. “The Oneida Indian Nation has shown time and again that it is a committed partner in the economic success of Central New York,” CenterState CEO President Robert Simpson said in the release. “Its investments play a pivotal role in supporting existing businesses and providing new opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs.” Later this year, the Oneida Indian Nation will break ground on its Turning Stone expansion project. It is expected to generate a one-time economic impact of more than $600 million, create 3,600 one-time jobs, and generate more than $22 million in state and local tax revenues. The project will also expand the Nation’s spending with local vendors and accelerate the growth of its workforce. “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,” Central/Northern Building Trades President Greg Lancette said. The evolution project will double existing event space, and add a hotel, new restaurants, outdoor spaces, and other amenities across the property, making Turning Stone the largest convention center in upstate New York. “When the Oneida Indian Nation invests in its enterprises, they are also investing in the success of the Mohawk Valley,” Steve DiMeo, Mohawk Valley EDGE president, said. “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.” The Oneida Indian Nation’s enterprises include Turning Stone Resort Casino, YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino, The Lake House at Sylvan Beach, The Cove at Sylvan Beach, Maple Leaf Markets, SavOn Convenience stores, an RV park, and marinas. Combined, they employ more than 4,500 people.