3-19-10
The Mattoon Area Community Foundation has formed a relationship with a new group to support the activities of young professionals in Coles County.  The Coles County Young Professionals (CCYP) started as a project of Leadership Coles County.  At a December 2009 event there was great interest in moving forward with the idea of forming the group.  A Leadership Team formed and met to define the roles and work on organizational structure. 

Establishing CCYP as a membership organization will give members the opportunity to develop professionally and network with peers throughout the area, while also giving back and promoting the assets of the Coles County community.  An April 1st planning meeting is scheduled and anyone with interest is welcome to attend to discuss the following ideas:

• A monthly service opportunity in collaboration with local service clubs and nonprofits (ex.  Bowling for Kid's Sake with Big Brothers Big Sister; Rotary Food Drive)
• A monthly professional/personal development opportunity in collaboration with the Chambers, local educational institutions and member expertise.
• Quarterly young professional social gatherings supporting local businesses.
• A CCYP Giving Circle through a fund established at the Mattoon Area Community Foundation with a grant awarded annually to the local nonprofit community.
• More to come...as we learn from other young professional groups in the area and see what works in Coles County.

2-17-10 
The Mattoon Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members of their Community Leadership Board.  Steve Matheny, Diana Smith, and Sherri Branson will all join the Board in February 2010.

Steve Matheny has been the owner of Century 21 Hutton-Matheny Realty, Inc. since 1979.  He has lived in Mattoon since 1971 and his wife, Debbie, is also a realtor.  Steve has served as President of the Central Illinois Board of Realtors and is involved with the Mattoon Recreation Board and the Mattoon Youth Basketball League.  Steve is a graduate of Illinois State University and received the Jefferson Award in 2005.  

Diana Smith, CPA, is a partner at West & Company, LLC, a multi-office public accounting firm serving clients throughout central Illinois.   Originally from Peoria, Diana has lived in Mattoon since 1991.  She has a BS in Business with a major in accounting.  Diana's professional memberships include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS).  Locally, she is a member of Common Links, Rotary Club of Mattoon, and Immaculate Conception Church, serving on their Finance Council. Diana has one daughter, Alexandra.

Sherri Branson is an agent with State Farm Insurance in Mattoon, IL.  She joined State Farm in 1991 after graduating from Louisiana State University with a BS in Marketing.  She is married to Jeff Branson who works for the Mattoon Police Department.  They have 2 boys, Chase (age 14) and Conor (age 10).

We welcome these new members to our Board.