Oneida Indian Nation Convenes Regional and State Leaders to Collectively Build CNY Tourism, Boost Economic Development and Plan for Regional Prosperity Upon Completion of the Historic Turning Stone Evolution

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (September 14, 2026) – The Oneida Indian Nation hosted elected officials and regional business and tourism leaders at Turning Stone’s new The Grand Expo on Friday to discuss strategies on expanding tourism and economic development following the completion of the $400 million Turning Stone Evolution. With Turning Stone now New York’s Largest Meetings and Conventions Resort, the regional leadership breakfast highlighted the shared purpose of seeing Central New York grow and prosper as Turning Stone draws thousands of visitors and large-scale events to Upstate New York.

The morning featured collaborative conversations and panels on Central New York economic development, tourism growth, and job creation. Attendees heard from Turning Stone Enterprises leadership on sustaining momentum on the heels of the Turning Stone Evolution as well as updates on Turning Stone Enterprises initiatives, priorities and how partnerships between the Oneida Indian Nation and the community set the foundation for regional success. Speakers and panelists included:

• Oneida Indian Nation Representative and CEO of Turning Stone Enterprises, Ray Halbritter

• Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente

• NY State Senator Joe Griffo (NY- 40)

• Assemblymember Pam Hunter (NY-128)

• Assemblymember and Committee on Tourism Parks, Arts and Sports Development Chair Ron Kim (NY-40)

• Assemblymember Brian Miller (NY-12)

• Rob Esche, President of Mohawk Valley Garden

• AnneMarie Czyz, Rome Health President and Chief Executive Officer

According to Oxford Economics, the Turning Stone Evolution generated a one-time more than $600 million economic impact. Annually, Turning Stone Enterprises generates a $1 billion annual economic impact and supports more than 7,000 regional jobs, including the Oneida Indian Nation’s 5,400 team members. 

“The partnerships that help accelerate tourism and economic development in our region, the growth of Central New York and the goal we share for what comes next cannot be achieved alone,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter.” Lifting up this region and its people, providing new opportunities and creating new ways to support tourism and economic development cannot happen through the efforts of any single entity. It is not enough for us all to commit to working on behalf of Central New York. We must also commit to working together for the long term benefit of our communities.

“This is one of the best models for economic development in the State of New York and on behalf of the Committee and my colleagues, I want to thank you for sending us $100 million dollars a year. The Oneida Indian Nation has built a circulatory economy that invests in people and the region and we want to do more. We want to partner in the right way to help us sustain growth in the right direction,” said Assemblymember and Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Chair Ron Kim (NY-40).

“One area of economic development and how we partner together is attracting business to this area and those looking to establish themselves in Oneida County. The first place we bring them to is Turning Stone,” said Anthony Picente, Oneida County Executive. “There is much more that we are doing and will be doing in the days ahead. Not the weeks, not the months, not the years, but in the days ahead.”

“What you did here, working as a team at Turning Stone, building this enterprise and providing a little bit of everything from lodging to recreational activities to meetings to retail all contributes significantly to what we're trying to do as a part of this economy in Central New York,” said Senator Joe Griffo (NY-53).

“I think what has been created in Central New York is one of the most profound places ever,” said Rob Esche, President of Mohawk Valley Garden.” I lived in Las Vegas for six months and came back to Central New York because I realized this is one of the best places. I came back and started the Utica Comets and more sports opportunities are going to come to the region. There are more USA Hockey events and box lacrosse events that are going to be worked out in the future and it's because of the Oneida Indian Nation.”

Leadership Breakfast photos can be found here. 

About the Oneida Indian Nation

The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Nation’s enterprises, which employ more than 5,000 people.  Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation’s economic base and provide essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, to its Members.

Media Contact:

Joel Barkin Vice President for Strategic Communications and Community Engagement 315.361.8173 jbarkin@oneida-nation.org Kathleen Shaffer Head of Public Relations 315.569.8193 kathleen.shaffer@turningstone.com