Nurturing the Home Turf

Nurturing the Home Turf

ScottsMiracle-Gro positively impacts both Central Ohio and the city it inhabits.

scottsmiracle-Gro has been making the grass greener across the world for 150 years. but for Central ohio, the lawn and garden powerhouse is responsible for more than beautiful lawns and greenspaces.

Although the Fortune 1000 company reaches communities across north America, scottsmiracle-Gro’s presence is felt most in the community and region where it all began. In marysville and union County, the roots run deep. From growing the local economy, to increasing civic engagement, to improving the community through beautification projects, the company has made the grass greenest for Central ohio.

“our corporate headquarters sit only a couple of miles away from where we were founded 150 years ago, and that says a lot,” says Jim hagedorn, Chairman and CEo. “We know that scottsmiracle-Gro is critical to the marysville community, and we also know that the city’s support remains critical to our success. When my family’s business, miracle-Gro, merged with scotts in 1995, some people believed we would move the business to new york. but the commitment of this town, the character of the citizens and the remarkable dedication and work ethic of our associates quickly made me realize that marysville was the only possible home for our combined company.”

And as far as marysville is concerned, the feeling is mutual. “there’s no mistake that the slogan for our city is that ‘the grass is greener,’ ” says marysville City manager terry Emery. “We’re very proud that scottsmiracle-Gro calls marysville home.”

“My older brother was the one that got me in with Scotts. He retired after 37 years. It was always a family company; a lot of families work here. It’s given me and my kids a decent life, and I can say the same for my brother. They do appreciate us, and that’s important to anybody. I think you do a better job when the company appreciates you. Scotts always provided opportunities and do pretty well by us. Always have.” –Jim Huffman, Marysville Plant, employee of 39 years the company was started in 1868 by o.m. scott. since then, it has grown to more than 5,500 associates in north America and $2.8 billion in yearly revenue. City officials credit scottsmiracle-Gro with contributing to the remarkable economic and wage growth in the region.

“between 1980 to 2010, [marysville] had the fastest wage growth in ohio, and we had the 49th-fastest in the u.s. as a whole,” says Eric Phillips, Economic Development Director for the city. “Part of the reason is we have companies that have made wise decisions. being in business for 150 years, scotts has made a lot of good decisions.”

the economic impact of scottsmiracle-Gro is far-reaching.

“having a Fortune 1000 company like scotts has elevated union County. We’re looked at as a growth quarter,” Phillips says. “that has helped us, as a community, to get more funds from a grant perspective, and just put our stature much higher in the region.”

In addition to the obvious ways a major company benefits a community, scottsmiracleGro brings value behind the scenes.

“[scottsmiracle-Gro] was a huge investor in the new pavilion for City hall in uptown

2013 Scotts acquires No. 1 pest control line Tomcat. 2014 Scotts forms the wholly owned subsidiary Hawthorne Gardening Company to focus on hydroponic growing markets.

marysville. they donate fertilizer to the school and county, and our citizens’ taxes would be higher if it weren’t for scotts,” Phillips says.

City leaders believe the company’s community involvement has set the stage for continued growth.

“We’re in an enviable location for future economic development opportunities because of scotts,” Emery says. “the relationship between scotts and [the city of marysville] shows our ability to work well with a major employer for many years.”

the company’s philanthropic endeavors also are making a mark on the community that can’t be measured in dollars and cents. From monetary donations to countless community volunteer hours by associates, scottsmiracleGro is creating a greener future with programs like Growing to Green.

“We’re hoping to cultivate the next generation of growers by getting families outdoors,” says su lok, Director of Corporate and Community Partnerships for scottsmiracleGro. “We want to help people have a lifelong appreciation for nature.”

since 2000, scottsmiracle-Gro has been a leading supporter of Franklin Park Conservatory and botanical Gardens’ Growing to Green program. through free educational resources and in-kind donations, Growing to Green has helped establish community gardens throughout Central ohio.

the investments by scottsmiracle-Gro go far beyond the community; they extend to its associates through robust benefits programs, competitive wages and a culture focused on health, wellness and teamwork. this has contributed to generations of families building careers with scottsmiracle-Gro. It manifests itself in longevity and loyalty among its workforce. Consider the 20-year Club, through which more than 1,000 current and retired associates gather regularly to celebrate achievements and share stories.

hagedorn sums it up best. “outside of my seven years in the military, my entire professional career has been with this company,” the CEo says. “I’m not alone. I know I’m biased, but the culture and growth opportunities make it a great place to work.”

David Russell, Director of Global Information security, Pmo and Vendor Partnership and Chairman of the 20-year Club, agrees. he grew up in new England and was drawn to scotts 29 years ago because of what the company had to offer.

“you can work anywhere if you’re a responsible enough person, but scotts invests in its associates and fosters relationships,” Russell says. “the organization is very family-oriented and values the importance of relationships among its associates.”

scottsmiracle-Gro associate and u.s. navy veteran Jim huffman can attest to the strong affinity his family has had with the company.

“[scottsmiracle-Gro] has always been a family company,” huffman says. “they’ve always done right by me and given my family a good life.” When huffman says his family, he means his entire family. he estimates 14 of his close and extended family members have worked at scottsmiracle-Gro during his tenure.

the company’s leadership understands the impact workplace culture can have on productivity and performance.

“the people behind our brands are what make this company great,” Russell says.

huffman adds, “When a company appreciates you, you tend to do better at your job. I think everybody wants to be appreciated at work. scotts has always done right by me.” m

“My mom, Linda Castle, used to bring boxes full of spreadsheets home from work, and we thought it was so cool to help her. I remember she had a lot of flexibility in her schedule and could always come see us in sports. Growing up, Scotts had a swim team at the employee pool that my sister Stacey and I both were on. Every weekend there’d be competitions and we’d be winning medals; it was a pretty big deal. I remember always going to Cedar Point or Kings Island on Scotts’ Family Day, too. We all looked forward to that.” —Brandy Elms, Supply Chain, employee of 18 years

2015 The company is ranked among Forbes’ 100 most reputable companies for the first time. 2018 ScottsMiracle-Gro celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The Scotts Company LLC 14111 Scottslawn Road, Marysville, Ohio 43041 Phone 800.233.5296 | Fax 937.645.2736