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Efren Martinez
Efren Martinez

A life-long resident of the Southeast area of L.A. County, Efren Martinez is an example of the American success story—son of immigrant parents, raised by a single mother, first in his family to attend college, veteran of the Iraq War, and a local business leader. As Martinez grew up in the working class communities of Florence-Firestone and South Los Angeles under the watchful eye of his mother, he learned the value of hard work and the morals and values that propelled him to succeed and eventually return to make a difference in his community.

After graduating Huntington Park High School in 1998, Martinez, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving three combat deployments and countless missions. He received several military commendations including a Presidential Citation and 12 Military Combat /combat related service ribbons and awards. During his military service, Martinez majored in Business through the Navy College’s University Program.

After his successful military career, Martinez returned to his childhood community to focus on quality of life issues for residents. Building on his relationships with Federal, State, County and local officials through his work with local community Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Martinez has fought to bring much needed resources back to the communities.

Martinez believes that small businesses are the driving force of local communities. For over 10 years, he has provided local area businesses with support services, professional development and networking opportunities to help them succeed. Martinez served nine years as the Executive Director of the Florence-Firestone/Walnut Park Chamber of Commerce.

Martinez served as the Chair for Economic Development Committee for the Second Supervisorial District’s Empowerment Congress, appointed by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, and has served on Boards of several local organizations: L.A. County Sheriffs Century Station Foundation, American Cancer Association, Kiwanis Club, Salvation Army, YMCA, The Florence-Firestone Community Leaders, and various economic development and public safety committees.

He is committed to a quality education for all children, providing affordable health care for working families and attracting economic development and high paying jobs throughout California.