Senate Resolution No. 809

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 30th Anniversary of Turning
Stone Resort Casino

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and organizations that contribute
substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby
enhancing economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Turning Stone Resort Casino on
July 20, 2023; and

WHEREAS, On July 20, 1993, Turning Stone Resort Casino opened on an
approximately 400-acre parcel on Oneida Nation Indian Lands in Verona,
New York; and

WHEREAS, The Oneida Indian Nation's Turning Stone Resort Casino
offers world-class golf, gaming, entertainment, dining, spa, and
accommodations; since its opening, Turning Stone has evolved into a
destination resort and one of the top five tourist destinations in New
York State, hosting more than 4.5 million guests each year; and

WHEREAS, Since 2001, Turning Stone has received more than 480
different awards and recognitions, including, most recently in 2023,
from the Forbes Travel Guide, the world's leading authority in
hospitality and luxury travel; they awarded Turning Stone Resort Casino
with four 2023 Four-Star Awards for The Lodge, Ska:na Spa, TS Steakhouse
and Wildflowers, each recognized for exceptional amenities, unparalleled
experience, and personalized guest service, distinguishing Turning Stone
as the only resort in New York to earn four Forbes Four-Star Awards; and

WHEREAS, All three of Turning Stone's championship-caliber golf
courses were included in Golfweek magazine's list of Best Golf Courses
You Can Play in New York, and two of the courses were included in Golf
Digest's 100 Greatest Public Courses in America; and

WHEREAS, With more than 4,500 employees, the Oneida Indian Nation is
the largest employer in Madison and Oneida counties; annually, they
invest more than $300 million into the community through the purchase of
goods and services; and

WHEREAS, Through employment, investment, and charitable giving,
Oneida Indian Nation Enterprises is a powerful source of economic
momentum in Central New York; and

WHEREAS, Ray Halbritter is the Nation Representative of the Oneida
Indian Nation, leading the Oneida people to an economic and cultural
renaissance that has been hailed as a national model of success; and

WHEREAS, The Oneida Indian Nation's success under Ray Halbritter's
leadership has been commended for its sustainable, diversified, and
self-sufficient economic development; and


WHEREAS, As a business and cultural leader, Ray Halbritter has given
back to his community with the same enthusiasm that he brought to his
people when he first began working to build Turning Stone; and venues;
and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business and its leadership, the
contributions it makes to the local and state economies, and its vibrant
role in improving the quality of life in its community, fully confident
that it will continue to enjoy the sparkling successes it has
experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Turning Stone Resort Casino; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Turning Stone Resort Casino and Ray Halbritter, Nation
Representative of the Oneida Indian Nation.