Bright Spots in a Gloomy Economy

Even with the grim economic turbulence overshadowing 2008, the Oneida Indian Nation Retail Department had several bright spots to celebrate.

Late in the year, SāvOn, on the corner of Routes 31 and 365 in Verona, reopened with a brand-new look. The old store was revamped and the new location features oversized gas pump islands, a custom-made walk-in humidor, a full-service coffee café featuring lattes and cappuccinos, a large seating area, and an expansive made-to-order food service operation.

Other SāvOn highlights from the year include raising $13,000 during the MDA Shamrock fund-drive, participation in the annual Charity Classic, certifying 42 employees with the nationally accredited food safety program ServSafe, and becoming a retail location for Turning Stone Resort and Casino gift cards.

At the resort, the retail department made some adjustments to existing stores, the most notable being the renaming and rebranding of the Tower store. Now known as the General Store, this location specializes in New York-based products such as salsas, jams, jellies, and pancake mixes. The store Twilight became the headquarters for logo merchandise, while Essentials’ stock of cigarettes was relocated to a kiosk outside the Emerald Restaurant.

The Nation’s Agriculture Department noted a growth in herd size and also in the abundance of corn during 2008. Located on Route 46, the department added a new silage area that meets all Environmental Protection Agency requirements. The department is home to one of the largest Black Angus herds on the East Coast, with 1,380 animals, and maintains 3,500 total acres of corn (1,200 acres), soybeans (550acres), wheat (100acres), and pasture land (1,650 acres).