SUCCESSFUL ONEIDA INDIAN NATION ENTERPRISES HELP SHAPE CENTRAL NEW YORK
The success of the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Enterprises enables the Oneidas to consistently reinvest in their surrounding communities, steering the efforts to revitalize Central New York.
This dedication to community goes far beyond the Oneida Indian Nation’s annual payments under the 2013 settlement agreement to New York State and surrounding communities. The Oneidas have a devotion to this region as their sacred and eternal homelands and will forge forward to make Central New York one of the world’s top tourist destinations, securing a strong economy for generations to come.
As the leading contributor to county tourism, Turning Stone Resort Casino
reinvests in the local landscape on every level, from education and healthcare
to technology and arts and culture.
The Turning Stone Enterprises have and will continue to add even more opportunities, jobs and entertainment to Central New York.
Point Place Casino to Receive Major Expansion
The Oneida Indian Nation’s Point Place Casino will undergo a large-scale expansion in 2024 that will double its gaming floor, add a brand-new hotel, restaurant and more. This $50 million expansion comes in response to the demand from guests for additional amenities at Point Place Casino, as well as the explosive growth and economic development occurring across Central New York.
The Oneida Indian Nation has anticipated the need for this expansion project for some time, with the popularity of Point Place Casino rapidly outgrowing its existing space. Since its creation in 2018, when the casino opened to overnight lines of excited guests eager to be among the first to enter, visitors have requested lodging to accommodate weekend trips, additional dining options, expanded choices in gaming and more.
“The Oneida Indian Nation has been a dedicated partner to Madison County for many years. We are confident that this latest investment in Point Place Casino will continue to create jobs and spur expanded economic activity that will help make Bridgeport and its surrounding communities even better places to live and work.”
– John Pinard, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors
“The expansion of Point Place Casino is welcome news for the Town of Sullivan. The Oneida Indian Nation and the casino have been valued partners for our community, and this major expansion will help attract more tourists to Sullivan while generating critical economic investment to support our growth into the future.”
– Tom Daviau, Town of Sullivan Supervisor
“When the Oneida Indian Nation invests in its enterprises, it also invests in our members. From the opening of Point Place Casino in 2018 to the recently announced evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino and this incredible new expansion, the Oneida Indian Nation’s investments continue to grow opportunities for workers with good-paying jobs throughout the region.”
– Greg Lancette, President of the Central & Northern Building Trades
Oneida Indian Nation Announces Details of $470 Million Evolution; Largest Expansion in Resort History
In July of 2023, the Oneida Indian Nation announced details of its $370 million capital investment in the largest evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino in two decades. More than an expansion, this reinvestment will be a complete evolution of the region’s premier resort destination with a new conference center, outdoor event spaces, hotel, and more to fully reimagine Turning Stone for generations to come. The Nation has partnered with world-renowned architecture and design firm Gensler. Along with its $370 million reinvestment, the Turning Stone evolution will generate a $616 million one-time economic impact, create 3,600 one-time jobs and generate $22.1 million in state and local tax revenues.
Turning Stone’s evolution will double its existing conference space with new indoor and outdoor event spaces including eight new meeting rooms, two new ballrooms, an outdoor courtyard and new indoor parking.
To accommodate an increase in conference and event guests, the evolution will also include construction of The Crescent. The new Four-Diamond hotel will greet guests with stunning architecture for a memorable impression and feature 258 rooms, a welcoming lobby and a new fine dining destination.
Existing lodging at Turning Stone will also undergo a transformation as renovations continue at The Lodge to maintain its Forbes Four Star award-winning standards and The Hotel becomes The Brook, taking a new name in tribute to the region’s beautiful waterways and offering a fresh, modern aesthetic throughout.
In December 2023, The Lounge with Caesars Sportsbook moved to the latest nightlife destination at Turning Stone’s Exit 33, NY Rec & Social Club (formerly Lava Nightclub). The new entertainment destination offers a timeless experience with modern amenities.
Other Additions to Turning Stone
- A Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf practice area with a driving range and short game area to support the resort’s championship golf courses
- More than 120 electric vehicle chargers, including 36 Tesla Superchargers, installed across Nation lands in partnership with Tesla for guests and team members
Oneida Indian Nation’s Wáhta’ Maple Farm Continues the Diversification of the Oneida Indian Nation’s Enterprises
After a successful first sugaring season in the spring of 2023, the Oneida Indian Nation has announced that Wáhta’ Maple Farm increased its maple syrup production by 35% in its second season. The maple farm, one of the Nation’s recently launched businesses, honors the important role of maple sap in Haudenosaunee culture, reflects the Nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship and continues the rapid diversification of its enterprises and its role in expanding economic development in Upstate New York.
Wáhta’ Maple Farm’s sustainable practices uphold the Oneida people’s belief that all things must be undertaken for the benefit of the Seventh Generation. Along with environmentally friendly initiatives across its enterprises, these practices honor the Nation’s commitment to future generations and the conservation of our region’s natural resources for many years to come.
The Cove at Sylvan Beach Continues Oneida Indian Nation’s Commitment to Reinvestment in Local Community with New Regional Partnerships
The Cove at Sylvan Beach has partnered with businesses from around the region as part of its offerings as Upstate New York’s new vacation destination. Opened in 2022, the lakeside vacation rental community showcases the very best of Upstate New York. Consisting of 70 two-bedroom and three-bedroom cottages and a range of amenities, the new destination was brought to life by the contributions of dozens of regional partners.
The Cove at Sylvan Beach regional partnerships include:
- Off the Muck Market, Canastota offering grocery delivery with fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms.
- Oneida Lake Marina, Canastota providing a fleet of 75 pontoon boats, their first-ever fleet and largest single purchase ever.
- River Rock Dock, Chittenango building nearly 20,000 square feet of docks and boardwalk surrounding The Cove and an expansive 8,000 square foot deck for Sylvan Beach Supply Co.
- Leggett Tree Service, Canastota providing firewood for guests to use in their personal fire pits.
- Utica Coffee Roasting Co., Utica offering hot, iced and ground coffee at The Cove as part of a legacy partnership with Turning Stone Enterprises.
The Cove also includes Sylvan Beach Supply Co., the destination’s flagship store, for guests staying at the cottages and guests visiting Sylvan Beach for the day. With a fun day on the water in mind, Sylvan Beach Supply Co. offers daily rentals of pontoon boats, bicycles, paddle boards, kayaks, canoes and water bikes. The market-style store also offers ice cream, grab-and-go sandwiches and other food items, groceries, beer, sundries, fishing poles, tackle and more.
Oneida Indian Nation’s Lake House at Sylvan Beach Brings Jobs, Tourism Development to Region
Opened in 2020, The Lake House at Sylvan Beach features 100 slot machines, indoor and outdoor lakefront dining options, three bars, an expansive patio and an outdoor area for live entertainment. With a contemporary rustic design, The Lake House also features a 50 foot tall lighthouse, a beautiful addition to the Sylvan Beach shoreline.
The multi-million dollar redevelopment project in the Oneida Lake resort community provided jobs for more than 150 construction workers and has created another 60 permanent jobs for the area.
The Oneida Indian Nation’s investment in the Sylvan Beach area continues its legacy of partnerships with, and investments in, local communities.
“This is something we envisioned, along with many other aspects of our settlement in 2013, that we can work with the Oneida Indian Nation and expand and continue to invest in what this great land has to offer.”
– Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.
“As everyone is aware, the business of resort industry is a challenging one, not only in our area but in other areas. Sylvan Beach appreciates the substantial investment that Ray Halbritter and the Oneida Indian Nation has made to our community.”
– Greg Horan, mayor of Sylvan Beach
“This is the latest chapter of the vision of the Oneida Indian Nation, striving for excellence and being great neighbors and great at their industry in everything they do. And we look forward to the future and the very next opportunity to do this yet again with the Oneida Indian Nation.”
– Greg Lancette, president of the Central-Northern New York Building and Construction Trades Council