Words and Image by Jenny Lynn Davis
Matthew Franklin was honored as the 2025 Chamber Volunteer of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce of Walker County’s annual breakfast meeting on Wednesday, September 10.
Franklin, who owns and operates Aqua Xpress, a Jasper-based pool care company, and works as an inspector for the Alabama Surface Mining Commission, has made service to others a hallmark of his life.
“I love volunteer work,” Franklin said in his acceptance video. “From community, the Boy Scouts, to church, work, whatever it is. I love helping people.”
Franklin’s volunteer spirit took root when his oldest son, Rhodes, joined Boy Scouts seven years ago. That decision eventually led Franklin to serve as Scoutmaster for Troop 117 in 2024. “Boy Scouts is not just a weekly meeting, it’s a way of life,” he said. “It’s my pleasure to lead the young men in our troop to do their best unto God and others.”
His service also extended beyond Walker County in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024. Inspired by Sanders Aviation’s quick response to the devastation, Franklin helped organize relief trips to North Carolina and Georgia. “After having the opportunity to deliver supplies to the most hard-hit areas, it hit me that the kids wouldn’t have a Christmas,” Franklin recalled.
He partnered with the Chamber to launch a toy drive that quickly grew into a community-wide effort. “Thanks to our very generous community, we were able to collect toys and gifts for the kids that otherwise might not have had anything,” he said. “It was quite remarkable how quickly our community came together and donated an 18-wheeler full of toys.”
Franklin expressed gratitude for the many people who made the work possible, especially his wife, Rebecca, for her constant support, and Jason Beasley of Bevill State Community College for partnering to drive the Bevill State 18-wheeler on the relief trips. “I’m so appreciative of this award. I do not do any of it for recognition,” he said. “I’m honored to be the 2025 Chamber of Commerce Walker County Volunteer of the Year.” WL
