On NPR this morning, they talked about the negative economic news swirling about a potential default by Greece.  The stock market of late has been like a roller coaster mainly rushing downhill.  Last week, President Obama unveiled another multi-billion jobs plan aimed at getting Americans back to work.  If he looked at what the Oneida Indian Nation has done in Central New York, he would see a successful jobs program.

The Oneida Nation’s employment has increased from 119 in 1990 to 4,500 today—an increase of 3,681 percent. The Nation is the top employer in Oneida and Madison counties and one of the top five employers in the 16 counties of greater Central New York. Unlike many employers, the Oneida People are tied to this land—the land of their ancestors—and they are not going to relocate out-of-state or leave the country all together.  The jobs created by the Nation have allowed many people to return home to our region and others to find opportunity here for the first time.

In addition to its destination resort that attracts more than four and half million visitors a year and more than a 1,000 business meetings and wedding receptions, the Oneidas’ business operations include the SāvOn chain of gas stations and convenience stores; RV Park; three marinas; Indian Country Today Media Network, the premier national multi-media source for American Indian news and information; Four Directions Productions – a 3D animation/HD cinematography studio; fishing lodge; and a car care center.

The Nation’s 4,500 employees are a big part of its economic impact. The payroll is more than $126 million—with employees paying nearly $24 million in state and federal taxes. The employees then turn around and purchase items both big and small, including homes, food, fuel, cars, cell phones and clothing.

The Nation’s contribution to the economy also comes from what it spends for goods and services—$285 million in 2010. The breakdown of the Nation’s spending included $185 million spent for goods and services in New York State–$114 million of that from local businesses and service providers in Oneida, Madison and Onondaga counties. Since 1993, the Nation has spent more than $2 billion for goods and services.

In the communities where many of us live, the jobs people hold vary widely.  The Oneida Indian Nation’s 4,500 employees in Central New York are no different.  The Nation employs doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers, librarians, electricians, police officers, retail managers and clerks, hair stylists, mechanics, information technology professionals and much more.  If you just look at the finance operation, there are more than 60 professionals—from the vice president who oversees the operation to the directors, accountants, financial analysts and revenue auditors.