Candidate for
Council Member; City of Commerce

Jaime Valencia, age 44, is an extraordinary candidate for our City of Commerce Council. A Commerce resident for most of his life + since 1975, his life journey exemplifies the type of fight and can-do attitude we need as a leader within our community.

Jaime is the product of a very stable home. He is one of seven children. He is the oldest of five brothers, has one older sister and one younger sister. His parents have been happily married for 47 years! His siblings' careers include a police officer, an assistant principal, a business manager, a corporate human resources director and a civic human resources professional. Additionally, many of our younger residents have been taught to dance by Jaime's sister Nancy who continues to work as a dance instructor for the City of Commerce Parks and Recreation department whenever she can.

Jaime attended Suva Intermediate School, graduated from Bell Gardens High School and attended Cerritos Community College.

In 1981, at the age of 17, Jaime started working for the City of Commerce. He started as a locker-room attendant. It was a great summer job, but he wanted more responsibility. Over the course of the year, he taught himself, not just to swim, but to swim well enough to pass the tests to become a Certified Life Guard and Instructor Guard for the City of Commerce Aquatorium. He became certified in CPR, First-Aid, and certified by the American Red Cross as a professional rescuer.

In 1986, Jaime suffered a near fatal motorcycle accident. A number of surgeries later, doctors were able to save his life, although they feared he would be confined to a wheel-chair for the remainder of his life. Over the next 5 years through hard work, courage, determination, and his faith in God, Jaime was able to rehabilitate and walk with the aid of arm crutches.

In 1992, Jaime started working for the Commerce Casino. He has been a member of their Accounting Department now for over 16 years.

Jaime also started a marketing company during this time. His Company, now in its 17th year, is a successful promotions and event marketing company for the restaurant and bar industry. Jaime's company helps venues drive their revenue through increased patronage with a marketing campaign that includes email/online strategies, non-traditional media and event management. Jaime has worked with many venues and events in Los Angeles and Las Vegas and many times seeks out venues that might be in the "red" and consults to bring them to profitability.

Also of note, Jaime has chosen not to drink or smoke. In fact, he has never had an alcoholic drink of any kind.

Jaime Valencia is motivated to run for Commerce City Council because he wants to give back to his community by helping our schools and by attracting hospitality and entertainment companies to our City. He has a proven track record of leadership, integrity, a strong work ethic and an insatiable drive to get things done in the best interest of our community, including our residents and our local businesses.