Jackson Free Press

Israel Martinez, 24, wants to make a difference in his community. Martinez, owner of Oasis Spanish Learning Center in Ridgeland, believes that a Latin American Chamber of Commerce will help make that difference.

Oasis provides Spanish courses for all ages and speaking levels. About a month ago he and metro-area business owners decided to form their own chamber of commerce. Martinez says until now there hasn't been much networking and support for businesses in the Latin American community.

Martinez came to Mississippi six years ago from Mexico. As a small business owner, he knows the struggles and hard work that come with starting a new business. He envisions the Latin American Chamber of Commerce as a resource for new businesses, and a support for existing business.

"We want to help people put food on the table, but also we want to help each other out," Martinez says

With two younger sisters and a brother, Martinez believes it's important to be active in his city. His plan for Oasis Learning Center is to invest 10 percent of company earnings into education and the community.

"I believe that if you make ten dollars, you should give at least one dollar of that back to the community," says Martinez.

The Latin American Chamber of Commerce is for anyone interested in helping businesses in the Jackson area make a difference. Martinez stressed that you don't have to own a business, and you don't have to be Latin American to be part of the organization. The Latin American Chamber of Commerce will meet tonight at 9 p.m. in Ridgeland, at Telcristimax in Briarwood at the Windriver Building (405 Briarwood, Suite 106).