May 5, 2022: The Oneida Indian Nation was honored this week at an event hosted by CNY Business Journal with the first-ever Mohawk Valley GEAR Award. The GEAR award recognized 5 leading Mohawk Valley businesses that support the region’s growth and revitalization. The Nation was specifically recognized for its ongoing investment in its workforce as well as being a leader in increasing tourism to the region.
Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter accepted the award and spoke about the growth of its enterprises:
“The Nation has become one of the area’s largest employers in Upstate New York with a workforce numbering more than 4,000 individuals. Many team members have been with us for 10, 20, or even 30 years because they have found the kind of jobs that make it possible to raise a family without leaving the region. As our enterprises continue to grow, we are able to create more opportunity for all. We have a symbiotic relationship with this region. As we do well, the region does well and vice versa – that is a great place for all of us to be in.”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter.
Sylvan Beach Administrator Michael Sayles also appeared in a video honoring the Nation’s work in the Mohawk Valley, highlighting historic investments in the community with the opening of The Lake House in 2018 and the grand opening of The Cove at Sylvan Beach this summer.
