Rendering of the future Green Bay Visitors Bureau
(Oneida Reservation) – The Oneida Nation strengthened the partnerships and marketing opportunities by participating in a major project near historic Lambeau Field. Oneida will be contributing $1.5 million of our room tax revenues to the construction of the new Green Bay Visitors Bureau. The Oneida Business Committee supported the direction of our room tax revenues toward a huge tourism initiative that will have a positive impact on our Oneida Nation businesses and the promotion and education about our history and culture.
In 1999 the Business Committee, at that time determined we needed to develop a tourism department to educate and promote the Oneida Nation. Resolution BC-3-24-99 was adopted to directly support tourism and related initiatives. Annually those room tax dollars are used in various ways to generate and promote the Oneida Nation businesses. (Oneida has collected room tax dollars since 1999.) This collaboration is the best use of these funds to maximize the benefits partner with Green Bay and have an impact on the entire region. It makes good business sense to support and create this area as a multi-faceted tourism destination. Oneida will have a presence at this facility, showcasing traditional artwork and native drumming demonstrations with traditional dress. The goal is to help more people learn of the rich history of this diverse community.
It’s important to realize where the Tribe’s economy is generated from. These funds are raised from Radisson and Wingate hotel guests. They are then earmarked for tourism initiatives. These funds can only be utilized for tourism type initiatives. Tourism is one strong facet that drives the economy here in Oneida. Visitors play at Oneida Casino, buy fuel at Oneida’s One Stops, stay at Oneida’s hotels, play at Thornberry Creek at Oneida, and visit the Oneida Nation Museum. It is important for the future for Oneida to continue to move forward building good business relationships in northeast Wisconsin in our efforts to grow our own economy.
The Oneida Nation is the only tribal nation in the state that has a comprehensive tourism department which strategically promotes, advertises, and enhances the Oneida Nation’s amenities, attractions, and image. The center should be opened in 2020.
