RITA COOK / News Editor

    FERRIS – Another snip of the red ribbon last week saw a new business open in Ferris.

    Local businessman Michael Martinez, President and CEO, PUEBLITO Enterprise, LLC, C&M Bookkeeping and Tax Services, C&M Office Park, CDM Business Services, LLC and Liberty Tax Services said the new business will offer a variety of business services.

    The idea for the business began in Ferris about four years ago.

    “We wanted to expand our business and services to the community, and my wife Connie and I started deliberating about what else we can provide to the community that we do not have.

    “Our meat market had already turned profitable for the last six years of operations,” Martinez said.

    It was Martinez’s wife who suggested the bookkeeping and tax services office.

    After all, she knew it was what her husband knew best.

    Martinez said at first, he was not sure he wanted to open a business like that since he had spent the last 22 years in corporate, dealing with a variety of finance and accounting.

    “But the decision was made, and here we are four-plus years later,” he added.

    With a total of seven part and full-time employees, clients will find accounting, bookkeeping, tax services, check cashing, money transfers and notary services available.

    The new business in Ferris marks three for Martinez, and he said he believed Ferris was a good choice as a location because he does want to support the city, even with its current local issues.

    “Our target location was Red Oak,” Martinez said.

    “We even had the right place located on road 342.

    “But, in spite of all the controversial issues going around in our city, we decided to open here.

    “I think it is about doing what is right for you and those that you will affect positively in spite of local issues,” Martinez said.

    “One must continue to swiftly move forward and do what is ours to do. And in doing so, no one, no one will stop us.”

    Martinez also has plans for a laundromat he wants to open with 750 square-foot apartments on the second floor on Main Street and 9th Avenue.

    The Ferris City Council recently voiced reservations about the laundromat, but an upcoming public hearing could change some council member’s minds.

    “This is not over yet. At the end, the voice of the community will speak up and confirm the need for a laundromat.

    “If not, that is perfectly fine.”

    Martinez said he will take his business elsewhere if need be.

    “We are not conditioned and will not be conditioned by what city council wants out of impulsive and sub-standards behaviors.

    “The overall goal continues to be to serve our people and the surrounding areas such as Red Oak, Wilmer, Hutchins and Palmer.

    Martinez concluded, “To serve them with the joy and respect that they deserve.

    “To let them know that we are here to assist them with their finance/money service’s needs.”