40 Under 40: Charlotte Matthews, account executive

Charlotte Matthews

AGE: 30

FAMILY: Husband, Brian; son, Jackson.

EMPLOYER: Commerce Bank

POSITION: Account executive, merchant services

COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT: Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Ambassador; Cape Girardeau Jaycees member; American Cancer Society Gala committee treasurer; Southeast Hospital Foundation Member.

HER TYPICAL DAY:

I provide electronic payment processing expertise to businesses of any size and tailor solutions that assist those clients in achieving their key business objectives, such as reducing operating costs, improving cash flow and minimizing risk.

MOST SATISFYING PART OF HER WORK:

In this economic time, I consider myself fortunate to work for Commerce Bank, which is one of the most safe and sound banks in the country. I was happy to hear that the financial stability has also been affirmed by Moody's Investor Services. They rated the 50 largest banks in the country, including Commerce Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of Commerce Bank. Only three banks have a higher bank financial strength rating than Commerce Bank. And, many banks applied for government TARP funds last year, but Commerce did not need additional capital for lending capacity, so we made a decision not to apply for the government funds. I'm proud to tell my customers that their money is safe with Commerce.

HER WORST HAIRSTYLE:

I participated in the '80s era of big hair and "wings"!

HER FAVORITE SONG FROM THE '80s:

Anything from the "Footloose," "Dirty Dancing" and "Pretty Woman" soundtracks.

HER MOST EMBARASSING WORK MOMENT:

When I was a waitress at Garfields (many years ago), two ladies came in and ordered. After delivering their meals, I came back to check on them, and noticed they were both looking down at their plates. I thought something was wrong with their meal, so when I went over to ask, they informed me that they were praying. Oops!