VERONA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Oneida Indian Nation CEO Ray Halbritter says it was time for the gridlock to stop, and to move forward.

Out at Turning Stone Resort and Casino on Friday, hundreds of employees were actually finding out firsthand what the agreement means, from the CEO of The Oneida Nation, Ray Halbritter, who held a meeting right inside the Showroom.

There were two separate sessions Friday, each with a standing room only crowd of about 900 employees. Unfortunately, we were not allowed inside, but we did talk to some workers after they got out.

"It was electrifying, it was positive..." said Roxanne Lucenti, hotel director of operations.

Although CEO Ray Halbritter himself wouldn't talk on camera, he did release this statement:

"We have the greatest respect for Oneida County Executive Tony Picente for his progressive leadership and vision in presenting this historic settlement agreement. Together we have hammered out a solution that is beneficial for all the stakeholders - our governments and our communities, the residents and the members of the Oneida Nation. The Oneida Indian Nation and the County clearly recognize that it is time to forge ahead and together create a better future for Oneida County and the entire region. Simply put, it's time to end the costly legal battles, create more jobs and break apart the gridlock of the past and move forward."

Workers that heard from Halbritter on Friday, agree.

"But it does take away a lot of the uncertainty," said Dan Jones, director of player relations. "I mean, you always felt, not that you were a criminal, it was just something unseemly. And what I really think now is that it really validates all of the hard work for everybody that's been here for a long long time and hopefully we'll see this happen."