Scotts Miracle-Gro Signs Statement of Support with Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, Enhances Efforts to Recruit and Hire Veterans

MARYSVILLE, Ohio, Feb. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG), the world's leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, today announced an enhanced commitment to supporting, recruiting and hiring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and who currently serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  

At a ceremony in the company's world headquarters in Marysville, Ohio, ScottsMiracle-Gro Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Hagedorn, Executive Vice President of Human Resources Denise Stump and other company leaders joined retired Maj. Gen. Paul Mock to sign a Statement of Support to formalize a partnership with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

ScottsMiracle-Gro Chairman and CEO Jim Hagedorn, a former F-16 fighter pilot, said: "We've been hiring and supporting U.S. veterans and reservists for years. In fact, Scotts was founded nearly 150 years ago by O.M. Scott, who was a Civil War veteran. Our enhanced commitment today not only affirms our support for our current associates who serve, but also reflects our overall desire to recruit and hire those who serve or have served this country."

"As a human resource leader, I can say without a doubt that companies who hire those who currently serve, or have served, are getting top-notch talent," said Denise Stump. "Surveys consistently show they demonstrate strength in key areas like responsibility, work under pressure, completing tasks, leadership problem solving and adapting to change.  All of these attributes are business-critical in today's world, and we believe they can help give us an advantage in very competitive markets."

The Statement of Support joins ScottsMiracle-Gro with other employers in pledging:

• We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 
• Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• We will continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

"Supportive employers like ScottsMiracle-Gro are critical to maintaining the readiness and strength of the nation's Guard and Reserve units and allow Guardsmen and Reservists the opportunity to serve our country more effectively and with greater peace of mind," said Gen. Mock. "By signing this Statement of Support, Scotts Miracle-Gro sends a clear message that they stand committed to their military employees and recognize the integrity, global perspective and proven leadership they bring to the workplace."

Today's signing of the Statement of Support is a key component of an increased effort by ScottsMiracle-Gro to recruit American veterans to join its workforce.  In 2013, the company began conducting military hiring events and it has recently added a military hiring portal on the Careers section of its corporate website at scottsmiraclegro.com/careers/military. 

The company said it will also work to build relationships with state National Guard offices, state-level ESGR and veterans transitions programs and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  In addition to full time positions, the company will also work to recruit current Guard and Reserve members and veterans for seasonal work at consumer retail centers and in its Scotts LawnService business. 

About ScottsMiracle-Gro

With more than $2.8 billion in worldwide sales, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company's brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts®, Miracle-Gro® and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand, which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In the U.S., we operate Scotts LawnService®, the second largest residential lawn care service business.  In Europe, the Company's brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligène® and Substral®. For additional information, visit us at www.scotts.com.

About Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESRG)

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

SOURCE The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company