special advertising section
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. 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.
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.”
“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
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.”
2013
Scotts acquires No. 1 pest control line Tomcat.
30 30
“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
2014
Scotts forms the wholly owned subsidiary Hawthorne Gardening Company to focus on hydroponic growing markets.
Columbus Monthly April 2018 Columbus Monthly MARCH 2014
001-032_Scotts.indd 30
3/2/18 12:33 PM
