At the Shenendoah Clubhouse at Turning Stone Resort Casino, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. delivered his annual State of the County address—laying out an ambitious vision for economic growth, community development, and long-term opportunity across the Mohawk Valley.
Picente was joined by Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Chief Executive Officer of Turning Stone Enterprises, as he highlighted the momentum already underway with projects like the Turning Stone Evolution, Nexus Center, Wynn Hospital, renovations to Rome Health, and the new Chobani facility.
The major announcement: Building 101 at Griffiss will be transformed into The Runway, a 400,000-square-foot indoor sports complex—the largest in New York State and the second largest in the United States. The facility will host tournaments in lacrosse, basketball, gymnastics, pickleball, wrestling, and more, attracting teams and visitors from across the country.
The development also sets the stage for a surrounding district of new lodging, cafés, breweries, and residential communities—designed to be a dynamic live-work-play destination.
Quoting Thomas Jefferson, Picente said, “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” A sentiment that captures the spirit of the region—and the people working tirelessly to shape Oneida County’s future.
