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Seasoned Retail Industry Professional to Head SavOn

Sean Brown has been named director of the Oneida Nation’s SavOn operations. He will oversee a dozen fuel and convenience stores in the Oneida area, as well as wholesale operations. He has nearly 20 years of experience in retail. Read more »

Oneida Nation Announces Employee of the Year

Ryan Langone of Rome, N.Y. was named the Oneida Nation’s Employee of the Year at a recognition dinner held March 4 in The Showroom at Turning Stone Resort. Langone was awarded a trip for two to one of the following vacation destinations: Disney World, Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon. To further demonstrate the Oneida Nation’s appreciation to its employees, the Nation provided the same prize to the runner-up; Heather Light of North Bay, a public affairs specialist in the Nation’s Media Relations office. Read more »

Gaming Claims by Vickers, Peterman and UCE rejected in new federal court ruling

Legal theories upon which David Vickers and Scott Peterman, leaders of Upstate Citizens for Equality, staked their credibility in efforts to rally public support against the U.S. Department of Interior's decision to accept more than 13,000 acres of Oneida Nation reservation into federal trust, have been dismissed in yet another federal court ruling. The decision was issued yesterday, March 4, by U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence E. Kahn. The federal court rejected Vickers and Peterman's decade-long challenges to the legality of gaming at Turning Stone, which was a significant part of their opposition to Oneida trust land. The court specifically ruled against allegations that the Oneida gaming compact is invalid and that gaming cannot occur on the Oneida reservation. In so ruling, the Court -- yet again -- reaffirmed that the Oneida Nation's 300,000 acres reservation was never disestablished. Read more »

Court Guts Hennessy and Townsend's Challenges to Oneida Trust Land

Highly publicized legal challenges by Assemblyman David Townsend, Oneida County Legislator Michael J. Hennessy and the Central NY Fair Business Association to the May 2008 decision by the U.S. Department of Interior taking take 13,000 acres of land into trust for the benefit of the Oneida Indian Nation were dealt a severe blow in a March 1 decision by U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence E. Kahn. The federal court upheld the constitutionality of trust land in New York State, reaffirmed that the Oneida reservation was never disestablished, rejected challenges to the legality of gaming at Turning Stone, denied challenges to the DOI's transfer of the 18 acre "Verona test site" parcel into trust, and dropped all claims against Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter. Read more »

Constantia Woman Winner of TV at SāvOn

Barbara Emmons from Constantia, NY was the recent winner in a drawing sponsored by Sovereign Tobacco Co. The 12 SāvOn stores offered customers the chance to win a 52” Toshiba TV. Emmons name was drawn and received her prize at the SāvOn Verona Beachmart March 2, 2010. SāvOn stores are an enterprise of the Oneida Indian Nation. Read more »

The Fray to Play the Turning Stone Event Center April 20

You know all the songs, but do you know who sings them? Here are a couple: “Cable Car” (Over My Head) and “How to Save a Life.” They both came from their debut CD “How to Save a Life.” You’ve heard them on “Grey’s Anatomy” and they have four Grammy nominations under their belt. They are The Fray and they’re coming to the Event Center at Turning Stone Resort and Casino April 20. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $65 ($85 and $100 for Inner Circle seating) and go on sale Friday, March 12 at 10 a.m. Read more »

LOL – The Comedy Club at Lava Lounge Starts March 3 at Turning Stone

The Comedy Club at Turning Stone is moving and has a new name. Beginning March 3, get ready to “Laugh Out Loud.” It’s LOL –The Comedy Club at Lava Lounge. Not only is the club moving from the Showroom to the intimate setting of the Lava Lounge, but now there’s a full bar, snack menu and table service. Read more »

Turning Stone Resort Featured on Rochester TV Show

Rochester’s News This Morning featured Turning Stone Resort on Wednesday, Feb 24. The 13WHAM TV interview with Rick Gallagher, Turning Stone's director of entertainment and events, updated Rochester viewers on entertainment, events and amenities at Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Click the link below to watch the interview.
News This Morning - 13 WHAM Read more »

Oneida Nation and Be The Match Hold Bone Marrow Drive for Area Teen

The Oneida Nation and BeThe Match held a bone marrow donor registration drive at the Nation to help find a suitable match for Taylor Matt, a Cazenovia high school student who is battling leukemia and is in need of a bone marrow transplant. She is one-quarter American Indian, which makes it more difficult to find a match. More than 75 people were tested to determine if they might be a suitable bone marrow donor for Taylor or the thousands of other patients who are currently on the waiting list. Testing is painless, requiring only a quick swab on the inside of one’s mouth. Pictured: Randy Phillips, director of the Nation’s Youth Work Learn program, participated in the bone marrow donor registration drive. Read more »

Federal Indian Law Expert Tapped for Oneida Nation Visiting Professor at Harvard

Harvard University’s School of Law reports that Robert Anderson, associate professor of law and director of the University of Washington School of Law’s Native American Law Center, will be the Oneida Nation Visiting Professor of Law at Harvard Law School for a five-year term beginning in the fall of 2010. The Oneida Indian Nation Professorship in American Indian law was established in 2003 and is funded with a $3 million gift from the Nation Read more »

Local Couple Engaged on Carriage Ride at The Lodge at Turning Stone

On Valentine’s Day, Ryan Sheedy, 31, of Canastota became engaged to Kimberly Moher, 29, of Sherrill during The Lodge at Turning Stone’s Chocolate Indulgence event. The staff at The Lodge assisted Ryan with his proposal preparations that included a horse-drawn carriage ride of the resort property, which is when he popped the question. Read more »

Oneida Nation Co-Sponsors Major Event Honoring Film Industry Icon Robert Redford

The Oneida Nation was a sponsor of a recent gala honoring legendary actor and director Robert Redford. Redford was presented with an award, established in his name, that will become an annual recognition at the University of Southern California School of Theater in Los Angeles. The event drew more than 500 celebrities and film and entertainment industry leaders from across the country. (Photo by Steve Cohn) Read more »

Oneida Nation Foundation Benefits Central New York and Indian Country

In 2009, the Oneida Nation Foundation distributed more than $50,000 to needy organizations and institutions here in Central New York and in Indian Country. The donations went to groups focusing on many areas including education, healthcare, veterans and the environment. Read more »

Shenendoah Golf Club - America’s Top 50 Courses for Women

The Shenendoah Golf Club at Turning Stone Resort has been named by Golf Digest to its list of “America’s Top 50 Courses for Women.” Courses are awarded for a “female friendly design, amenities, courteous staff, programs, and an atmosphere that appeals to women,” according to the magazine. Pictured: Shenendoah is located adjacent to Skaná Spa, offering soothing treatments and modern amenities combined with American Indian cultural themes. Read more »

Chicago and Doobie Brothers Summer Tour Includes Stop at Turning Stone

The Fourth of July weekend at Turning Stone Resort and Casino begins with a firecracker concert with two powerful hit makers – Chicago and the Doobie Brothers. Tickets for the Friday, July 2, 8 p.m. concert in the Event Center are $76 and go on sale Feb. 26. There are a limited number of tickets designated “Inner Circle seating” at $91 and $101 Read more »

Boeheims’ Annual Basket Ball April 24 at Turning Stone

Jim and Juli Boeheim host an annual charity gala – the Basket Ball – at Turning Stone Resort. This year’s event will benefit the newly-formed Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation, which supports youth programs as well as cancer research and advocacy. Click here to read the Associated Press article: Boeheims get ready for 11th Basket Ball Pictured: (left to right) Coach Boeheim, Oneida Nation Represenstative and CEO of Nation Enterprises Ray Halbritter, and Oneida Nation Council Wolf Clan Representative Chuck Fougnier at a past year's Basket Ball Read more »

Alicia Keys - The Event Center March 11

Turning Stone Resort and Casino has announced that Alicia Keys will perform in the Event Center, Thurs Mar 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $75 and go on sale Saturday, Feb 6 at 10 a.m. Read more »

Book of Lists Ranks Oneida Nation Fourth Largest Employer in Greater CNY

The Central New York Business Journal’s annual Book of Lists ranks the Oneida Nation as the fourth largest employer in the 16 counties of greater Central New York. The Oneida Nation has 4,777 employees with a 2009 payroll topping $124 million. Read more »

Ostrander Named to Oneida Nation Gaming Commission

Doug Ostrander has been appointed to the Oneida Nation Gaming Commission, the regulatory body that oversees the licensing and gaming activity at Turning Stone Resort and Casino. He currently serves as a councilperson for the Town of Cairo, chairman of the Cairo Zoning Commission and a trustee for the Cairo Library. Read more »

The Lodge at Turning Stone Celebrates 2010 Award

The staff of The Lodge at Turning Stone and members of the resort’s management team gathered last week to celebrate the recent designation as the 2010 “Most Excellent Golf Resort” by Condé Nast Johansens. The prestigious travel organization honored Turning Stone’s all-suite hotel with a similar award in 2007. Both The Lodge and its gourmet restaurant Wildflowers have also earned Four-Diamond ratings from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Read more »

Oneida Nation Participates in Launch of the New $1 Native American Coin

Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and CEO of Nation Enterprises, and several members of the Nation’s Council took part in a media event in New York City on Jan. 25 that launched the new $1 Native American coin. The other members of the Oneida delegation were the following members of the Council: Keller George, Chuck Fougnier, Clint Hill and Dale Rood. Read more »

The Lodge at Turning Stone Named “Most Excellent Golf Resort”

The Lodge at Turning Stone Resort has been named “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in the U.S.A. and Canada by the luxury international travel guide, Condé Nast Johansens. The honor is included in the publication’s recently-announced “2010 Awards for Excellence,” which are determined by votes from readers, hotel guests and Condé Nast inspection teams. Turning Stone’s elegant, all-suite hotel received a similar award in 2007. Read more »

Turning Stone Credited for Helping to Stabilize Area Economy

One of the reason’s Fitch Ratings cited for assigning an ‘A-‘ rating to Oneida County is the presence in the area of Turning Stone Resort and Casino. According to the Credit Summary section of their recent news release on Business Wire, “The successful gaming operation at the Oneida Indian Nation should continue to aid economic growth in the area.” Read more »

Villages at Turning Stone Receives Near Perfect Rating in RV Directory

The Villages at Turning Stone RV Park is rated one of the Top 20 RV parks in the country according to the 2010 Trailer Life RV Parks & Campgrounds Directory. The Villages at Turning Stone garnered a near perfect 29.5 rating using the Directory’s Exclusive Triple Rating system which has become the industry standard. The publication is also the official directory of the Good Sam Club, the world’s largest RV owners’ organization with nearly 1 million member families. Read more »

LAVA’s Unique Entertainment Returns January 22

LAVA, the Dance Club at Turning Stone, in a little over two years has become one of the trendiest clubs in the country. Rick Gallagher, director of entertainment and events at Turning Stone Resort and Casino, says that LAVA is the most exciting night club in the United States. “No one is presenting the entertainment that we are, in a way that we are,” said Gallagher. “We have created a unique exciting experience for our guests.” That experience has included presenting a unique cirque type atmosphere within the club while its guests party and dance until the wee hours of the morning. Read more »

Oneida Nation Spending Propels Local Economy

The Oneida Nation and its business enterprises, especially Turning Stone Resort and Casino, are major purchasers of products and services from other businesses. The total vendor spending for the past year topped $318.6 million—with more than $161.3 million being spent in New York State. Read more »

Top Talent USA Returns for a Second Season to Turning Stone

Review Show? Wrong. Variety Show? No. Vaudeville? Guess Again. Try Phenomenal. That’s how Rick Gallagher, Turning Stone’s Director of Entertainment and Events, labels Top Talent USA. “It’s everything from fire theatrics to aerialists and a human body balancing act. Add to that dancing and singing and you have an unbelievable show,” said Gallagher. “Returning as hosts are The Love Kittens, a lively and talented Las Vegas burlesque group that were such an important part of the success of the first season of Top Talent USA.” For more about Top Talent USA, click on the video player button to play a video of Rick Gallagher talking about the new season of Top Talent USA. Click on the headline to read the full story. Read more »

Turning Stone Resort & Casino Celebrates Chinese New Year

The actual Chinese New Year begins in Mid-February and in anticipation Turning Stone Resort and Casino is getting a head start by celebrating on Jan 29 and 30 in the Event Center. Comedian Henry Cho starts the weekend off with his performance on Fri, Jan 29. Read more »

H1N1 Flu Shots Given at Clinic Sponsored by the Oneida Nation and Oneida County Dept. of Health

New York residents were able to get the H1N1 influenza vaccine at a Point of Distribution (POD) public clinic held Jan. 6th at the Event Center at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino. The clinic was similar to the seasonal flu POD the Oneida Nation co-sponsored with the Oneida County Health Department in November with the assistance of the NYS Dept. of Health. This most recent clinic targeted the adult population, 19-years of age and older. About 400 received the H1N1 vaccination. Oneida Nation Public Safety Commissioner Arthur Pierce is shown in the photo getting his flu shot from Claudia Held of the Oneida County Health Department Read more »

Fourth Quarter Big Wins on Turning Stone’s Gaming Machines Top $3.1 Million

Guests playing on the nearly 2,300 gaming machines at Turning Stone Resort and Casino during October, November and December of 2009 won more than $3.15 million in wins of $5,000 or more. In addition to coming from all across New York, winners came from several other states, including Florida, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Vermont, as well as Canada. Read more »

The New Year Came in with a Ball of Fire...

Thousands of revelers ushered in the new year at Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Billed as the largest party in up-state New York, the New Year's Eve Dance Party Spectacular featured performers from Top Talent USA, two popular Central New York dance bands: Atlas and Classified and the fire theatrics of Flambeaux who helped bring in the new year with a ball of fire as the crowd counted down the seconds to the gigantic balloon drop at midnight in the Turning Stone Event Center. In the photo here are The Españas performing to the New Year's Eve crowd on “The Wheel of Death.” More... Read more »

Verona Fire Department Receives 4th Payment for 2009

The Verona Fire District recently received a check for $25,000 for the fourth quarter from the Oneida Indian Nation for fire protection services that the district provides. The Oneida Nation has been contributing regularly to the fire district for its services via a Nation-community agreement that dates back to 1993. The Fire District provides fire protection and rescue services to Turning Stone Resort and other Nation properties in the district in conjunction with the Oneida Nation’s Public Safety Department. Read more »

Turning Stone Resort’s New Year’s Eve a Spectacular Party

Turning Stone Resort and Casino is the place to celebrate the New Year and this year it’s a celebration featuring a "New Year’s Eve Dance Party Spectacular” plus entertainment throughout the resort. Classified and Atlas entertain in the Event Center along with The Españas and their amazing SKY -WHEEL, plus a live twin screen video feed from Times Square. Rick Gallagher, director of entertainment and events, talks about what’s in store for the New Year reveler at Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Read more »

Rood Featured on “I Heart Mohawk Valley.”

The Utica Observer-Dispatch recently launched a new multi-media project titled “I Heart Mohawk Valley.” Angelica Morrison interviewed Dale Rood, director of Four Directions Productions, about its newest project. “My Home” is the second animation project undertaken by the group. The first, “Raccoon & Crawfish,” won multiple awards at film festivals around the world. Read more »

Three Turning Stone Concerts among the Top 10 for 2009

Well-known and respected Syracuse entertainment columnist Mark Bialczak has named his ten best concerts of the year for Central New York. Three of them were Turning Stone Event Center performances: Stevie Wonder; Rob Thomas and the double bill of Earth Wind and Fire/ Chicago. Read more »

Eighteen Families Adopted by Oneida Nation Employees

Employees from 17 departments at the Oneida Indian Nation and its enterprises adopted 18 less fortunate local families in Oneida and Madison counties during this holiday season. Families that found themselves on hard times are being given “the best Christmas ever,” according to Pam Vecchiano of Catholic Charities of Madison and Oneida Counties. Read more »

Capital District Man Wins $275,000 at Turning Stone’s Let It Ride Tournament

Turning Stone Resort hosted its latest Let It Ride Tournament Dec. 14-16. Kim Sagendorf of Troy took first place honors and a prize of $275,000. The 488 tournament participants came from across the Northeast as well as Canada, Florida and Texas. Read more »

Verona Resident Honored as Top Volunteer at Turning Stone Resort Championship

Jeff Hull of Verona is the Turning Stone Resort Championship’s 2009 Volunteer of the Year. He assisted the Player Relief Committee, which provided beverages and snacks for the PGA TOUR professionals at various stations throughout Atunyote Golf Club. The local business owner has been a part of the Turning Stone Resort Championship since its inception three years ago. During that time, more than $1 million has been generated for charity. Pictured: Committee Chairman Lou Markowski (left) presents 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award to Jeff Hull Read more »

Oneida Nation’s Economic Impact Nearly Half Billion Dollars a Year

The Oneida Indian Nation and its business enterprises, including Turning Stone Resort and Casino, had a direct economic impact of nearly $450 million during its fiscal year which ended Sept. 30, 2009.  
  Read more »

Oneida Nation Leads List of Utica Area Employers

The Oneida Indian Nation again topped the Mohawk Valley Business Journal’s recent list of largest employers for 2009. With 4,777 employees the Nation again is the biggest employer in area encompassing Oneida and Herkimer counties. The other employers in the top five include: Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare (2,204); Upstate Cerebral Palsy (1,900); St. Elizabeth Medical Center (1,807); and the County of Oneida (1,700). In addition to Turning Stone Resort and Casino, the Nation’s has enterprises involved in retail, agriculture and media Read more »

Turning Stone Classic XIV, Dec. 17-20

A full field of 128 players from throughout the world is set to compete in the Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour Turning Stone Classic XIV, Thursday, Dec. 17 – Sunday, Dec. 20 in the Event Center at Turning Stone. Read more »

Employees Learn More about Oneida Nation Enterprises

To celebrate National Employee Learning Week, the Oneida Indian Nation and its enterprises held the O.N.E. “Learn More” Fair on Monday, Dec 7 at Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Employees from all departments were invited to attend to acquaint themselves with other departments to learn about opportunities and the services offers by the various enterprises of the Oneida Indian Nation. The day-long event featured exhibits and demonstrations such as the ones pictured here showcasing the golf and purchasing departments. Read more »

Turning Stone and SāvOn Holiday Gift Cards Provide Loads of Possibilities

Turning Stone Resort and the SavOn Convenience Stores have kicked off their gift card programs for the 2009 holiday season. An ideal present for the upcoming holidays, the Turning Stone gift cards are redeemable for accommodations, shows, bingo, golf, salon and day spa services, as well as participating dining outlets at the Resort. Read more »

Turning Stone’s Spectacular Gingerbread Village

When most people were thinking of trick or treats and ghosts and goblins, Turning Stone Resort’s facilities department and bakery were already at work designing and creating all the individual parts that would make up the 2009 Turning Stone Resort and Casino’s vast Gingerbread Village, located in the Garden Lobby of the resort. Read more »

Oneida Nation Distributes $5 Million-Plus in Bonuses

The Oneida Indian Nation awarded $5.1 million in bonuses this week to approximately 90% of its 4,800 employees. Despite the yearlong downturn in the U.S. economy and significant failures in the gaming industry, the Nation’s enterprises, including Turning Stone Resort Casino, performed exceedingly well and was one of the few entities to exceed 2008 economic performance. This year’s bonuses topped last year by about $400,000. These incentive checks are a way for the Oneida Nation to reward employees who went above and beyond what was expected of them. Read more »

Turning Stone Scores Three in Golfweek’s Best Resort Courses

All three championship courses at Turning Stone Resort are included in Golfweek’s 2010 list of “Best Resort Courses,” marking the third consecutive year that Atunyote, Kaluhyat and Shenendoah have earned spots on the publication’s honor roll. With three entries in the top 100, Turning Stone is a member of an exclusive club, equaling Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Whistling Straits and Bandon Dunes. Read more »

Turning Stone Dresses Up for the Holiday Season

The Emerald Lobby at Turning Stone Resort and Casino was crowded as the 35-foot indoor Christmas tree and the 50-foot outdoor Christmas tree were lit. These trees, along with all the other Christmas trees and decorations at the resort, include 300,000 lights and a million ornaments. The spectacular decorations that have transformed the resort into a holiday wonderland were complimented by roaming Christmas carolers and holiday cookies and cider for the guests. Read more »

A New Year’s Eve Dance Party Spectacular and Much More at Turning Stone

Turning Stone Resort and Casino has established itself as the place to be to celebrate the New Year’s and this year that celebration extends into a party weekend beginning with the "New Year’s Eve Dance Party Spectacular.” Anyone can throw a party but Turning Stone takes it to the sky and is the only bash that combines a legendary playlist from Classified and Atlas, The Españas and their amazing SKY -WHEEL, plus a live twin screen video feed from Times Square. Read more »

Turning Stone Resort Championship Earns “Best of” award at PGA TOUR Meetings

The 2009 Turning Stone Resort Championship earned an award for “Best PGA TOUR Branding and Signage” for its initiatives at Atunyote Golf Club at Turning Stone Resort. The TOUR branding for on-site signage and collateral materials was designed to provide a classic, consistent look that added to the overall presentation, both on-site for spectators as well as the televised broadcast of the event. Read more »

The Oneida Nation Returns to NYC with “The True Spirit of Thanksgiving”

The 83rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® takes place in New York City Thursday, November 26 and will again feature "The True Spirit of Thanksgiving," brought to the Parade by The Oneida Indian Nation. The float features a 30-foot-tall White Pine “Tree of Peace” growing from the back of Turtle Island, spreading the message of Peace and Thanksgiving to more than 3.5 million New York City spectators and over 50 million viewers nationwide. Sharing the Oneida representation of the creation story ,the colorful float, featuring Iroquois dancers and Oneida members dressed in traditional regalia, is a beautifully symbolic depiction of the legendary Nation’s birth. Read more »

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