One way we are doing this is partnering with Junior Achievement.   The Ed Martin Automotive Group entered into a five-year plan by participating in “Finance Park” for 8^th graders and older.   Finance Park is a “real look” at life and challenges the students that participate to plan their lives.  In our module we focus not only on how’s and do’s in purchasing a car, but all of the job opportunities that lie within this industry.  We start by showing women owners.  The students then see women sales consultants, technicians, and service directors.  Along with learning about each job, a salary range is shown with each job in the dealership.  Kids look at each other, and say, “Wow, I can do that!!”  The girls are amazed that they can do any job in the dealership!  

-Click HERE to see the curriculum in detail-

-We also are partnering with the charter school, Indianapolis Metropolitan High School.  This unique high school partners students in local businesses to learn not only in the classroom but also “on the job”.    We are excited to be able to introduce young women and men to a world that they might not have considered entering into.  Especially women.

-Click HERE to see Finance Park-

-Automotive Technicians are getting harder and harder to find.  This job is now very computer orientated and requires these skills.   We set up the “Ed Martin Legacy Fund” to provide scholarships for those who pursue a post secondary education as an automotive technician.  We have apprentices and interns in our service departments from Lawrence Township School’s McKenzie Career Center, Automotive Tech program. 

 -The Ed Martin Automotive group is very involved in supporting the Lawrence Township schools and extracurricular school activities.  Ed Martin lived in Lawrence Township and all three of his children attended Lawrence Township Schools.  His five grandchildren all attend Lawrence Township Schools.   Support is also given to The Lawrence Township School Foundation.  The foundation houses the Ed Martin Legacy Fund as well. 

-To donate money to Lawrence Township Schools - CLICK HERE-

-We also just finished sponsoring a new Clarian Health event for girls called

“Girl Power!”   Empowering girls with exciting challenges to let them know they can do anything and be anybody they wish.  

-The Ed Martin Automotive Group has been a long time sponsor of the Soap Derby in Anderson.   We have a dealership in Anderson.  The Ed Martin soapbox car has produced many champions.   We even have a girl who is a champ and drove our car!!  The sport was nearly gone years ago when one of our valued customers approached us about helping keep it alive.  We are proud to say that it is going strong and still support the efforts.

We also have sponsored the Boys and Girls Club in Anderson over the years. 

-Click here to visit the Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis - website -

 -In 2008 Ed Martin is the major sponsor for bringing a grass roots project for breast cancer survivors called Dragon Boat Racing to Indianapolis.  It is the very first dragon boat in Indiana.  Who are the Indy SurviveOars?

Indy SurviveOars is a group of dedicated breast cancer survivors and others committed to the cause of breast cancer who is introducing dragon boat racing to Indiana. Our name, Indy SurviveOars, reflects our hometown connection, our breast cancer survivorship, and our homage to the steer oarsperson, who guides the dragon boat on its course.  Its course.

What is the purpose of Indy SurviveOars?

--click here for the website --

Our mission is to help provide breast cancer survivors with a strong message of hope, inspiration and encouragement. This mission is manifested through the development of our own dragon boat team, which is estimated to be the 50^th breast cancer team in the U.S.

-- click for an article on the dragon boat race --

 -Ed Martin has also been involved in supporting the Heartland Film Festival and Heartland Truly Moving Pictures for the past 15 years.  Heartland supports films that celebrate the triumph of the human spirit.  They believe these films are the perfect antidote to the negativity, uncertainty and anxiety that are all too common in modern society.   Heartlands mission is to work through the entertainment industry on a national level to recognize films that achieve these goals and to give talented filmmakers the support they need to make inspired films of their own.

 --- click here for the Heartland Film Festival Website ---

-Ed Martin has supported the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life project as a major sponsor in Marion, Shelby and Hamilton Counties. 

We believe that a good business gives back to the community that supports them.   By staying involved and getting the word out about the support of a woman owned business in our community we believe will help grow our business as we continue to meet any challenges.”