his Fourth of July, many of us will gather with family and friends for fireworks, parades, backyard barbecues, and maybe even a baseball game. As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we’re also beginning the countdown to a remarkable milestone—America’s 250th birthday in 2026.

For Oneida County, this anniversary is especially meaningful. Our story is woven into the story of America. The defense of Fort Stanwix, the Battle of Oriskany, and the legacy of the Oneida Nation all played pivotal roles in our nation’s founding. Decades later, the Erie Canal transformed our region into a gateway for commerce, innovation, and opportunity. Throughout our history, people have come here to build businesses, create jobs, and pursue a better future.

That story is still being written.

Today, our economy is once again evolving through advanced manufacturing, small businesses, tourism, healthcare, education, and new investment. We continue to welcome new ideas, new businesses, and new talent—just as generations before us did.

That’s why this week’s What’s Upstate Intern Experience at the Utica Blue Sox game feels especially fitting. There may be nothing more American than an evening at the ballpark, but this event is about much more than baseball. It’s about introducing college interns to the people, places, and opportunities that make the Mohawk Valley a place to build a career and a life. We hope they’ll leave not only with memories of a summer evening at the stadium, but with a reason to imagine their future here.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is encouraging communities across the country to use America250 as an opportunity to celebrate not only our history, but also the entrepreneurs, workers, volunteers, and businesses that continue to strengthen America every day. That message resonates deeply here in Oneida County, where our past reminds us that strong communities have always been built by people willing to invest in them.

As you celebrate this Independence Day, I hope you’ll also celebrate the role you play in our community. Whether you shop locally, welcome a visitor, hire an intern, mentor a young professional, volunteer, or support a local business, you’re helping write the next chapter of Oneida County’s story.

From all of us at the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, have a safe and happy Fourth of July. Here’s to honoring our past—and building an even brighter future together.

Kari