LaRea Slater, President

After teaching for 33 years elsewhere, LaRea returned to her childhood home of Matthews to retire. She became interested in community development and spearheaded forming the Matthews Area Chamber. Her involvement in community efforts began with helping to build the Jefferson Twp Schools Memorial Park. Besides the Chamber, she is active in the New Mulberry Home Ec. Club, the Epworth United Methodist Church, the Upland Area Historical Society, and Our Town Upland, Inc.

Jan Bunch, Vice-President

Jan moved to Matthews in 2007 as the pastor of the Epworth United Methodist Church. He had previously served for 11 years at Saratoga United Methodist in Saratoga, IN. Prior to that position, he owned and operated a Christian bookstore in Richmond, IN. Jan is a graduate of Taylor University with a bachelors degree in Music Education, and he finds the history of Matthews quite fascinating and is impressed with the initiative of the community to improve the quality of life in Matthews.

Carol Impola, Secretary

Carol is a relatively new resident to Grant County, but has roots in the area dating back nearly 200 years. She has an eclectic background having been a Federal Investigator for Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a realtor, and a small business owner. She is an active community volunteer and in her church, Matthews Epworth United Methodist Church. Carol is excited about the progress being made in the various businesses, organizations, and governmental entities represented in Matthews.

Mary Franks, Treasurer

Mary has lived in Matthews for 38 years and taught at Matthews Elementary for 25 years. She was proud of the school's record of academic excellence and its outstanding atmosphere for learning. She would like to see the town maintain a sense of pride and community spirit. She hopes that with cooperation from the Town Board, residents, and businesses, a beautification project would take place to improve the attractiveness of the main street.

Joe Bradford

Joe, with his wife and daughter, have lived in Matthews for 14 years. He works for Pepsi and is the superintendent of the Matthews Baseball Park. Joe sees the Chamber as a revitalizing vehicle for the town and a group that will help restore the baseball park.