MARYSVILLE, OH – During a visit to Union County today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) highlighted an initiative to hire veterans at Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG). Brown, who has sponsored recent initiatives to expand education and work opportunities for veterans, toured the facility, and met with SMG employees who previously served in the Armed Forces.

“Servicemembers who risk their lives protecting our nation shouldn’t have to wonder whether they’ll be able to find a job when they leave the service,” Brown said. “But it’s not just an obligation to hire veterans. It makes good business sense to hire a veteran because these men and women bring unique skills and experiences to help their organizations grow and thrive. Scotts Miracle-Gro is just one of Ohio’s many employers that has realized this and funnels resources toward recruiting and keeping veterans on staff. Through my perch on the Veterans’ Committee, I’ll continue working with veterans, the VA, and Ohio employers to ensure that we connect veterans with jobs so they can succeed when they return home.”

Earlier this month, SMG launched its Veterans Employee Resource Group to help with recruitment and retention of veterans. The company currently employs more than 200 veterans.

“ScottsMiracle-Gro is a big supporter of our veterans and a big part of our outreach not only helps military men and women become aware of our career opportunities but also provides hiring support and guidance to help apply their military service experience as they enter into the civilian workplace,” said Mike French, vice president and general manager of RoundUp and Asset Utilization and U.S. Army veteran.

Brown, a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, was an original cosponsor of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, enacted in 2012, which offers job retraining assistance to veterans between 35 and 60 years of age.

###