PRESS RELEASE

Tierra-Derco International Appoints Key Management Positions

JASPER, Ind., January 25, 2013 – Tierra-Derco International (TDI), a forerunner in supplying innovative products to the garden center industry, has appointed two key management positions. Karen Mehringer has been named Home Shopping & National Accounts Manager, and Paula Schmidt has joined the company as Marketing & Customer Service Manager. 

In her newly created position, Mehringer will concentrate on developing and strengthening relationships with TDI’s home shopping and internet accounts. She will also be exploring additional business opportunities by researching prospective areas of growth and gaining knowledge of the systems and processes unique to each company. 

Mehringer has been with TDI for 10 years and has held various roles during her career, including her most recent role as Marketing and Customer Service Manager.  Prior to TDI, she worked in sales, customer service, and management positions at Kimball Electronics, was an instrumental member of several implementation teams for upgrading operating systems, and held a key role in development and training of the ISO 9000 program. 

Schmidt's focus will be to develop and implement marketing and sales strategies, oversee communications and service efforts, and provide industry outreach through various mediums including catalogs and brochures, website and social media campaigns, industry conferences and events, and ongoing branding promotion.

Prior to joining TDI, Schmidt was a creative catalyst and innovation strategist for Chicago-based Bamboo Worldwide. She spent over 10 years at Kimball International working as a Market Research Manager and, more recently, as the Director of Market Communications for Kimball Office. In her career, Schmidt has worked with a variety of Fortune 100 to 1000 companies to leverage innovation, branding, and customer connections in a full range of industries.

“As TDI continues to expand and grow, we have recognized the need for more focus and leadership in specific areas of our business. Karen has a wealth of knowledge and experience in regards to TDI products and the customers we serve. She is the right person to take on this challenge to expand growth opportunities and build relationships in the home shopping segment of the market,” stated Mike Bartley, General Manager of TDI. “Paula’s background in customer experience, branding, and communications provides us with the tools necessary to further strengthen our position in the garden center industry. With the recent acquisition of Stone Age Creations, our products and services are expanding to meet ever-changing needs, and Paula’s experience will add invaluable insight into developing strategies and creating a cohesive portfolio that complements the gardening community,” added Bartley.

“I am thrilled about moving into this new role. There are tremendous opportunities in the home shopping channel, and I am anxious to use my product and customer knowledge to grow and build this sector of our business,” Mehringer commented.

“Exciting transformations are taking place at Tierra-Derco and the garden center industry is taking notice. I’m eager to apply my experience and knowledge to support TDI’s mission of providing relevant solutions, forging new relationships, and continuing to build awareness of our brands,” said Schmidt. 

                                                    
             

Jasper IN, - January 8, 2013 - Tierra-Derco International, LLC has acquired the assets of Stone Age Creations, LTD.   TDI is a forerunner in supplying innovative products to the garden center industry.  This acquisition strengthens TDI’s market position and will enhance the company’s future growth opportunities.  Stone Age Creations is located in New London, Ohio, and has a well-established business with impressive growth since its startup in 2002.  Stone Age Creations offers hand-carved, natural stone statuary and will continue to operate from its New London, OH facility.  Company founder, Heath White, will retain managerial responsibilities within the Stone Age Creations division of TDI. The change will be transparent to SAC’s customers and vendors.  The purchase of Stone Age Creations fits TDI’s strategic growth plan and is an excellent addition to the established flagship product lines sold by TDI. 

“Our acquisition of Stone Age Creations complements our overall offering so we can now provide yet another top quality product to our customers. 
The combining of these businesses positions us very well in our industry,” said Mike Bartley, General Manager of TDI.   

Owners, Charles Stenftenagel and Gabe Coderre, have been searching for attractive business opportunities to expand sales and utilize its infrastructure.

TDI is a national distributor of exclusive international brands of tools, accessories, and accents to the US Garden Industry.  Like SAC, TDI’s primary customers are the Independent Garden Centers and Hardware Co-ops throughout the US.  In addition, they are both suppliers and drop shippers for many web-based and catalog retailers.