Oneida Nation says it spent 50 percent more with New York vendors in 2018, compared to a year ago

VERONA, N.Y. — The Oneida Indian Nation says it spent $207 million with New York state vendors in 2018, up more than 50 percent from 2017.

The figure includes $99 million that it spent with vendors in Oneida, Madison and Onondaga counties, an increase of more than $30 million from 2017.

The Oneida Nation now contracts with more than 1,700 vendors in New York. The vendors include food producers, information-technology firms, and construction-related companies.

The opening of the new 65,000-square-foot Point Place Casino in Sullivan drove the increase, the Oneida Nation said in a release.

It was also fueled by the opening of Maple Leaf Market convenience-store locations in Chittenango and Sylvan-Verona Beach.

The Nation also continued its investments in Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, Yellow Brick Road Casino in Chittenango, and its SāvOn Stores.

“2018 perfectly illustrated how the Oneida Indian Nation’s business model is based on constant reinvestment right here in Central New York,” Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation representative and Nation Enterprises CEO, said. “Our revenues do not go to distant shareholders. They are invested right here in this community. We also do not rest on our laurels. We instead are always working to fortify and expand our enterprises in ways that strengthen the foundation of the local economy.”

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com