Midwest Groundcovers and Midwest Trading Welcome Two New Board Members
St. Charles, Illinois – May 28, 2025
Midwest Groundcovers LLC is an industry leader in the propagation, growing and wholesale distribution of quality container nursery stock operating over 700 acres of state-of-the-art nursery production facilities at five locations in St. Charles, IL; Virgil, IL; and Glenn, MI. Midwest Trading Horticultural Supplies is a wholesale supplier leading the green industry in Chicagoland with sustainable products specializing in greenhouse and nursery mixes, custom-engineered, landscape mulches, soil amendments, and horticultural supplies.
The Midwest Companies have operated under a Board of Directors structure for over twenty-five years with responsibility for financial direction, budget and capital investment approval, and driving insight regarding strategic plans. With the companies’ growth and operational changes, Chairman, Christa Orum-Keller, determined it was time to update the board structure. Planning began in late 2023 and board policies and guidelines were updated, and it was determined that the Board of Directors would expand.
We are pleased to announce the addition of Dan Crane and Bill Davey to the Boards of Directors of The Midwest Companies – Midwest Groundcovers and Midwest Trading. Their combined experience in strategic leadership, finance, agriculture, and business development will bring valuable perspectives to our companies as we continue to grow and evolve.
Dan Crane
Dan brings insight and experiences in sales strategy, business leadership and financial accountability, to the board. He is a graduate of Illinois State University and Keller Graduate School of Management (MBA). He spent 13 years at Ace Hardware Corporation in roles spanning Supply Chain, Purchasing, Category Management, and Store Planning. From 2008 to 2023, he led Creeden & Associates, a retail hardware and home improvement rep agency, doubling its sales and transforming its operations before selling the business in late 2023.
In 2024, Dan launched Crane Counsel, a consulting firm focused on coaching and mentoring individuals and small businesses. He is also an active Vistage member and Vistage CEO Group Chair in training.
Bill Davey
Bill brings a deep understanding of agriculture, finance, and team leadership. He holds degrees from Illinois State University (BS Agriculture Education), the University of Illinois (MS Agriculture Education), Northern Illinois University (MBA), and is a top 5% graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School of Banking.
His banking career spanned more than three decades, most recently serving as President North-Operations at First State Bank Sycamore from 2012 to 2023. Prior to that, Bill held senior roles in commercial lending and bank leadership. Before growing his career in finance, Bill spent eight years as a vocational agriculture teacher.
In addition to his professional work, Bill owned and operated a 140-acre farm for over 30 years. His agricultural expertise and financial acumen offer invaluable insight into the operations and mission of both Midwest Groundcovers and Midwest Trading.
Please join us in welcoming Dan and Bill to the board. Their leadership and experience will be instrumental in guiding our companies toward a strong and sustainable future.
Contact: Jamie Heflin
Marketing Supervisor
Midwest Groundcovers LLC
847-468-2053
jheflin@midwestgroundcovers.com
MidwestGroundcovers.com
Midwest-Trading.com
