Dear Members and friends,
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former LBA Chair, Harold Martinez on Thursday, January 8, 2009.

Harold Martinez was a beloved former two-time LBA President/Chairman, an active member and an unconditional supporter for over 30 years. His involvement with the Latin Business Association dates back to the establishment of the organization in 1976. Although he was not a founder, he had been the oldest most active committed member of the LBA to this day.

I have met many leaders who make sacrifices for their cause and feel honored to have met a very special one, Harold Martinez. Harold became a friend and a phenomenal advisor and mentor. He had a remarkable ability to motivate others to serve the community and work together. Harold Marinez advocated for integration, growth, empowerment and unity among Latinos and other minorities. During his tenure as the Chairman of the LBA, he changed the association’s name from The Latin Business Men Association to the “Latin Business Association” to include women. Beyond this remarkable change, Harold Martinez’ distinguished leadership and devoted community advocacy led to many LBA and community accomplishments.

I am proud and honored to have known Harold Martinez, a source of inspiration to people who knew or worked with him. We regret Harold’s passing and thank him for his work and dedication which serves as a guiding principle for current and future LBA leadership. One of the best tribute, I personally and the LBA can bestow upon Harold Martinez is to continue serving our community and strive for opportunities, success and a better world for all!

Harold Martinez, we will all miss you dearly.

With deep regret,

Ruben Guerra
Chairman of the Board

In 1979, Harold Martinez was first elected to the LBA as 2nd Vice president.
That year, under LBA President Jose Callero he chaired a Ad-Hoc committee to have the Latin Business Association change to include women entrepreneurs. In 1980/1985 respectively, Harold chaired the LBA Awards Banquet Committee. In 1983, he served as a Voting Executive Assistant to the LBA President and the Board of Directors. That same year, he assisted LBA President, Ray Rodriguez, to form the very first luncheon with President Ronald Regan.

In 1984, Harold had the honor of being elected the LBA President, were he made many accomplishments including:

• The first Trade Mission to the People's Republic of China, Province of Jilin, was taken. Subsequently thereafter, the LBA/lTC (International Trade Committee) was formed.
• The creation of the LBA Newsletter was founded.
  
• The 1985 Membership Directory was published and distributed.
  
• The LBA's very first exhibit was built.
  
• He put the LBA into the 'black' financially taking them from a deficit for the very first time in its history.
• He initiated the very first LBA Executive Director on Loan from Crocker Bank.
• The Latin Business Foundation was founded. As the founder of the Latin Business Foundation, he was elected to Chair from April 1985 through December 1987.

In the early nineties Harold was elected to a Second Term to serve as President of the LBA. In addition to the tremendous LBA leadership, Harold Martinez was also able to overcome many obstacles and challenges and built a successful family distribution business, Able Industries, a family business model with a strong base of family values, a model to follow.

We invite you to join us at the Rosary, mass or interment.
To learn more about the endless community contributions of Harold Martinez please visit: http://www.respectance.com/Harold_H_Martinez


Rosary: Monday January 12, 2009 at 7:00pm
Resurrection Church
3324 East Opal Street, Los Angeles, CA 90023
Tel. (323) 268-1141

Mass: January 13, 2009 at 10:00am
St Elizabeth Seton Church
1835 Larkvane Rd, Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Tel. (626) 964-3629

Interment: January 13, 2009 following the mass at:
Calvary Cemetery
4201 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90023
Tel (323) 261-3106