Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and CEO of Nation Enterprises, is among a small, select group of Native American leaders participating today in the White House Native American Business leaders Roundtable Discussion on bolstering economic development in rural America. Set up by the newly formed White House Rural Council, this meeting was organized to seek guidance from tribal business leaders with expertise in economic development and job training. Senior policy advisors from across the Obama Administration are planning to attend, including those from the Domestic Policy Council, National Economic Council, Office of Management and Budget, Council of Economic Advisors, and several Cabinet Departments (i.e. Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Energy, and Commerce).

Speaking about jobs in this country, Halbritter said, “Throughout the country there is an exodus of jobs from companies that were given huge tax incentives from states, counties or other municipalities to come to a region, provide jobs and skills training, or to stay in a region. Many of these companies later shut down or relocated to another state where the tax incentives were more favorable or to another country all together in search of lower cost labor.”

Halbritter stated, “Indian nations though are not going anywhere. As native people, we are loyal to our homelands that were cultivated by our ancestors. We have a responsibility to do what's in the best interest of our communities. That fundamental distinction is what makes Indian nations such a critical part of the rural economic development all over this country.” He added, “Indian nations bring stability, and that stability and access to capital can be harnessed for real long-term, positive economic development if opportunities are made or expanded upon, including access to capital and job training.”

The Oneida Indian Nation has created more than 4,500 jobs and is one of the top five employers in the 16 counties of greater Central New York. The Nation trains thousands of employees every year in such areas as hotel management, golf and grounds management, culinary skills and guest service. Last year, the Nation’s payroll topped $126 million and more than $285 million was spent for goods and services, primarily with local and regional businesses.

The Nation’s enterprises include: a destination resort, Turning Stone Resort Casino; a chain of convenience stores; an award-winning 3D animation/HD cinematography studio; three marinas; a 175-site RV park; and a national news source, Indian Country Today Media Network. In mid-July, the Nation announced it was bringing movie-making to Central New York by partnering with an A-list Hollywood production team on its first theatrical feature film. The movie, “First Allies,” is a riveting, but true, story based on the Oneidas’ involvement in the American Revolution as first ally of the colonists in their fight for freedom.