Hiller’s Promotes Michigan-Made Products

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – An American flag adorns the Hiller’s logo on the forthcoming January 19 circular, and the information that the family-owned, local grocery chain employs 700 people (plus one articulate dog). The front page of the next Hiller’s biweekly ad promotes Michigan foods sold at the seven Hiller’s stores under the headline: Hiller’s Promotes Michigan.

“Buying and selling Michigan products boosts the local economy, says Jim Hiller, CEO of the 68-year-old company. “That helps our state economy and the families who live here. I have always been dedicated to working together with good people and good companies close to home.”

Hiller’s has long been committed to showcasing locally-made, grown and produced food items. Among the hundreds of Michigan products Hiller’s sells, the circular showcases such brands as Garden Fresh Salsa, Pioneer Sugar, Guernsey Farms Dairy, Olga’s Kitchen, Bareman’s, Better Made, Hamilton Eggs, Old Orchard juices, Michigan navy beans, Polly’s Pastries and others.

“With so many jobs lost and the economy spiraling, I wanted to do what I could to communicate to shoppers that by selling Michigan products, we are encouraging the employment of thousands of our neighbors,” says Hiller.

To that end, the circular features 16 companies on its cover with a combined total of more than 2,500 employees between them. The idea is to encourage patronage of local companies to keep hard-earned dollars close to home.

“Obviously, we cannot buy all our foods locally – but anything we can do to support other Michigan businesses makes a difference,” says Hiller. “Jumping on the local food bandwagon is a good idea for so many reasons – we can trace the path our food takes from origin to the family table, we can encourage industry development and growth and we can insure that our economy has varied sources of entrepreneurship.”

For a while now, Hiller’s has indicated Michigan products by green shelf tags in every store. In the months to come, Hiller’s will unveil other initiatives to partner with local businesses in an effort to rebuild the economy. The Hiller’s circular is available online at www.hillers.com and in print version at the entrance of each of its seven stores.

Hiller’s groceries are located in Ann Arbor, Berkley, West Bloomfield, Northville, Plymouth, Commerce Township and a new 52,000 square-foot store in Union Lake. Many company employees have been at Hiller’s for decades – symbolizing the quality behind the brand. Hiller has always been guided by the societal impact of store activities and corporate decisions.

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