Corrales Firm Ideum Showcases Global Reach at SEA Breakfast

Ideum, a Corrales company that designs interactive exhibits and digital displays for museums and institutions worldwide, opened its doors to the Sandoval Economic Alliance (SEA) breakfast on January 8, 2026, to spotlight the benefits of hosting a globally competitive firm in the county. Company founder Jim Spadaccini reviewed Ideum’s trajectory, noting the company was founded in California in 1999 before relocating to New Mexico, and outlined the firm’s project work and capabilities.

The breakfast drew a mix of economic-development partners, industry professionals and local elected officials, as well as representatives from the New Mexico Small Business Development Center. Speakers at the meeting emphasized practical supports for local businesses, including business-growth resources and workforce-development strategies aimed at keeping firms in Sandoval County and helping them scale. The event served as a forum for aligning municipal, county and regional efforts around retention and expansion rather than relying solely on attraction of new firms.

For local residents, the presence of a technology-driven manufacturer and design shop such as Ideum carries several implications. A firm that serves national and international clients can expand demand for skilled technical and creative labor, support local suppliers and professional services, and contribute to the tax base through payroll and business activity. Strengthening ties between companies like Ideum and institutions such as the Small Business Development Center can accelerate workforce training, apprenticeships and business advisory services that help workers transition into higher-paying, specialized roles.

From a policy perspective, the meeting underscored the value of coordinated local investment in workforce pipelines and small-business support. Regional partnerships that connect employers, training providers and government resources can reduce friction for businesses seeking to recruit talent, adopt new technologies and pursue export or institutional contracts. For Sandoval County, prioritizing retention of established firms may yield faster returns than courting remote relocations, particularly when those firms already possess international customer bases and demonstrated growth potential.

Organizers framed the breakfast as part of an ongoing effort to cultivate regional economic resilience by leveraging the capabilities of Corrales-based companies. As Ideum and similar firms continue to draw industry attention, Sandoval County officials and business-support organizations face a practical choice: amplify supports that convert global demand into local jobs and services, or risk seeing talent and supply-chain opportunities flow elsewhere. The breakfast served as a reminder that targeted local action can help capture the economic upside of having world-class companies right here in Sandoval County.