Groundbreaking for El Raton Media Works Film/Media & Tech Training Center at 5 pm on October 28th
Raton to Host 2025 Regional Economic Development Summit and Groundbreaking for New Film/Media & Tech Center
Raton, NM –October 17, 2025 – The City of Raton and regional partners are proud to announce the 2025 Raton Regional Economic Development Summit sponsored by InBank and the Anchorum Health Foundation, a two-day event focused on rural resilience, workforce development, housing, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship. The summit will take place October 28–29, 2025, at the Raton Convention Center, and is free and open to the public with RSVP (ratonnm.gov/summit).
This year’s theme, "Collaboration, Innovation, and Opportunity," reflects the region’s commitment to bold cross-sector partnerships that build stronger communities across Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado.
The event will bring together municipal and community leaders, tribal representatives, state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, and creatives to explore topics including:
Housing innovation and land-banking legislation
Regional comprehensive economic development data and strategies
AI, data, and emerging technology in economic development and planning
Site readiness and brownfield revitalization tools
Workforce development strategies and supports for businesses (including a job, resource, and entrepreneur fair from 12-3 pm on Wednesday)
Dates: October 28–29, 2025 - Summit Details
Location: Raton Convention Center, 901 S 3rd Street, Raton, NM
Cost: Free with RSVP
Register at: ratonnm.gov/summit
A full agenda, including the speaker and sponsor list: ratonnm.gov/summit
For media inquiries, interview requests, or to cover the groundbreaking event, please contact:
Ann Theis:
ann@bettercity.us or ann@elratonmediaworks.org
575-733-0327
October 28 – Groundbreaking for El Raton Media Works Film/Media & Tech Training Center
At 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 28, the City of Raton and El Raton Media Works will host a special groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of a new Film, Media, and Technology Training Center—a regional hub for creative workforce development.
The project is part of Raton’s broader effort to diversify the local economy and create high-wage pathways in film and emerging media production, coding, digital storytelling, and technical training.
The celebration will include:
Remarks from city and project leaders
Live music from Raton 3, featuring Debora Iyall, lead vocalist of the renowned band Romeo Void
A special appearance by George Tomsco of the legendary band The Fireballs
Free food and refreshments
“This project is more than just a building—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of creators, coders, and creative entrepreneurs," said Ann Theis, Director of El Raton Media Works. “We’re proud to build it in the heart of a community that believes in innovation and collaboration.”
About the Raton Regional Economic Development Summit
Now in its third year, the Raton Regional Economic Development Summit is a collaborative forum for rural leaders, organizations, and innovators working to revitalize Northern New Mexico. The summit showcases replicable models, funding opportunities, and partnerships that strengthen economic resilience across sectors.
About El Raton Media Works
El Raton Media Works is a creative workforce initiative and nonprofit focused on digital storytelling, film/media training, technology, and economic opportunity in rural New Mexico. ERMW partners with schools, municipalities, and industry professionals to equip learners with the tools and experience they need to thrive in the creative and digital economy. (elratonmediaworks.org)
