Illinois Valley chamber adds Heerdt, Carey to board

JC Heerdt and Shelly Carey have joined the board of directors of the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, according to the Chamber.Heerdt is an account manager for Ficek Electric and Communication Systems and owns Stress Free Event Group, a group of event entertainment and planning businesses in north central Illinois. He has lived in the Illinois Valley for 25 years.He started in radio broadcasting before moving into telecommunications, technology and running his own businesses. He is a former president of Grow Spring Valley and serves on the Ottawa Noon Rotary board.“When local businesses succeed, our entire region benefits,” Heerdt said.Carey is community relations coordinator for Financial Plus Credit Union and represents its branches in Peru, Mendota, Ottawa, Morris and Diamond. She has more than 30 years of marketing experience.She serves on the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation board and represents Financial Plus with the La Salle Business A