ONEIDA, Wis. (WBAY) – The Oneida Nation has reached a major milestone, according to a recent economic impact study by St. Norbert’s Center for Business and Economic Analysis.
They have surpassed $1 billion in statewide economic output each year while nearing 6,000 employees.
The nation showed increases across the board in recent years, with nearly $984 million in economic output in Brown and Outagamie counties.
“It’s quite impressive to me how the tribe has stewarded the resources they have gotten as a result of those enterprises, and they have reinvested in those very wisely,” said Kevin Quinn, dean of the School of Business and Economics at St. Norbert’s College.
Gaming sector leads economic growth
The nation continues to see increasing revenue from Oneida-owned gas stations, banks, and other businesses, its gaming sector continues to be the leading enterprise, driving $324 million in economic impact alone.
The growth has generated over $335 million in compensation for the nation’s workers.
“They’re all different frontline jobs, all the way to upper management jobs and CEO-type positions, and being able to have that offering in our area is very important to increase that quality of life of the greater community, and particularly for our tribal members,” said Chairman Tehassi Hill of the Oneida Nation.
Recovery from pandemic challenges
For Chairman Hill, the nation’s growth since the last study feels more impressive when factoring in the challenges of the COVID pandemic.
“We had to shut down our gaming facilities and pretty much all of our offices for about 67 days, there was major layoffs during that time, so being able to go through that, to bounce back today, is very significant,” Hill said.
While the nation appears to be moving in a positive direction, Chairman Hill says there is more work to be done to ensure that trend continues.
“I think it’s important that we continue to invest into our businesses and our communities. We want to make sure that northeast Wisconsin and the Oneida reservation is a great place to live, work, and play,” said Hill.
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