Scotts CEO Jim Hagedorn Elected Co-Chairman of the National Fund for the U.S. Botanic Garden
WASHINGTON, June 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jim Hagedorn, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of The Scotts Company (NYSE: SMG), has been elected co-chairman of the National Fund for the U.S. Botanic Garden. Hagedorn is joined as a co-chair by Teresa Heinz, who is currently on leave because of husband, John Kerry's Presidential campaign, and Leone Reeder of McLean, Virginia.
The National Fund for the U.S. Botanic Garden was created to raise private sector funds to construct the $15 million National Garden on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. As an original Founding Sponsor of the Garden, Scotts has been involved with the project for several years.
"The chance to have a leadership role in creating what will be 'the people's garden' is a great honor and privilege, not only for me, but for all the associates of The Scotts Company," Hagedorn said. "For more than 135 years, the success of our business has been based on America's love of gardening. My involvement in this effort represents a chance to give something back to all Americans who love gardening."
In March, 2004, the Fund reached its initial fundraising goal of $9.3 million, thereby enabling the Architect of the Capitol to initiate construction of the first phase of the Garden project. As Co-chair, Hagedorn will play a key role in the Fund's efforts to raise an additional $2.5 million in private sector funding during 2004. This additional money is slated to fund the Regional Garden and First Ladies' Water Garden within the three-acre National Garden complex at the foot of Capitol Hill.
Currently under construction and scheduled for completion in November, 2005, the National Garden will serve as an important teaching tool and outdoor annex for the U.S. Botanic Garden. It will also provide a calm and beautiful oasis on the National Mall for millions of Americans visiting the Capitol grounds.
Dedicated to a Beautiful World
The Scotts Company is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care, with a full range of products for professional horticulture as well. The Company owns the industry's most recognized brands. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts(R), Miracle-Gro(R) and Ortho(R) brands are market leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup(R) brand which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In Europe, Scotts' brands include Weedol(R), Pathclear(R), Evergreen(R), Levington(R), Miracle-Gro(R), KB(R), Fertiligene(R) and Substral(R).
SOURCE The Scotts Company
CONTACT: Jim King
The Scotts Company
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Web site: http://www.scotts.com