Hometown First Project

As the economy nosedived last fall, Jim Hiller, CEO of the seven-store Hiller's Markets, pondered what he could to help turn things around. He created Hiller's Hometown First Project. Shoppers who spend at least $100 during one shopping trip to Hiller's receive a Hometown First card, which offers sizable discounts at select restaurants, including Sweet Lorraine's in Southfield, Commerce Grille in Commerce Township and Boneyard in Farmington Hills.

Last month the independent grocery chain also began showcasing products made by Michigan-based companies, such as Better Made chips, Garden Fresh Gourmet salsa and Pioneer sugar. Every week between January and March, the grocer is featuring Michigan-based food companies in its circulars to encourage shoppers to buy locally made products.

"If the ship is going down, you need lifeboats and you need people to help you get into the life boats," said Hiller, an avid sailor. "To get us out of this, we can't just sit at home and be scared."

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