Personnel News from The Scotts Co.

In personnel news at The Scotts Co., Marysville, Ohio, CEO Jim Hagedorn announced that, by mutual agreement, Michel Farkouh will no longer be responsible for the company’s international business and is leaving Scotts to pursue other interests.

“Michel has always demonstrated a great commitment to Scotts since he joined us in 1999, often times in the face of some serious challenges,” said Hagedorn. “I will miss Michel both personally and professionally and I wish him well in his endeavors.”

Individual managers in the international business division will report to either Hagedorn or Michael Kelty, vice chairman and executive vice president. Kelty remains responsible for overseeing the multi-year integration effort currentlyl underway in Europe.

In a separate press release related to its expected financial performance for fiscal year 2004, Scotts said it was “aggressively exploring all options” related to its international business.

Meanwhile, Jim Hagedorn also is the subject of personnel news at the company. An announcement on Monday noted that the Scotts CEO has been elected co-chairman of the National Fund for the U.S. Botanic Garden.

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.