Jim Hiller named a 2009 Hometown Health Hero

March 19, 2009 – SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – In January, Jim Hiller pulled all cigarettes from his seven grocery stores and announced that he would no longer enable this dangerous habit. This month, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Janet Olszewski, director of the state of Michigan’s Department of Community Health, named Hiller a 2009 Hometown Health Hero for his decisive actions.

“This was not a business decision,” says Jim Hiller, CEO of Hiller’s Markets. “My personal beliefs are intertwined in my business ethos and to continue to sell cigarettes runs contrary to my personal commitment to this community and its future.”

“There are all kinds of vices and unhealthy products for sale – but cigarettes aren’t only dangerous to those who smoke them. The effects of cigarette smoke can kill people who live and work with smokers,” says Hiller. “Despite the right of those who choose to smoke, I will not make Hiller’s a fellow traveler.”

In making this ground-breaking decision, Hiller voluntarily let go of approximately $250,000 in annual cigarette sales and took a loss by tossing the remaining inventory.

The Michigan Public Health Hero award recognizes individuals and organizations across the state who work toward improving the health of their local communities. Award winners are celebrated during Michigan Public Health Week, which is celebrated in Lansing April 20-26.

Jim Hiller will be available for photo opportunities at the Public Health Week awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 21 at 11 a.m. at the Capitol Rotunda in Lansing. (201 Townsend St., Lansing, MI 48913)

Research indicates that secondhand smoke is especially harmful to young children – exposure to secondhand smoke has been linked to respiratory infections, hospitalization and SIDS deaths in babies. In the United States, 21 million children live with smokers. Studies show that as many as 75 percent of American children have detectable levels of cotinine, the breakdown product of nicotine in the bloodstream.

Hiller has long been committed to being an integral part of the communities in which his seven stores are located. Hiller’s markets to specialty populations including gluten-free, kosher, nut, dairy and wheat allergies and specialty ethnic cuisine. Hiller’s is also the only regional grocery to strictly buy fish, meat and produce whose origins can be traced to humane, high-quality origins.

This year, the 68-year-old company launched a massive home-state initiative with its Hometown First local business program, Michigan shelf tags identifying home-state companies and this weekend’s Michigan Foods Fair, showcasing more than 30 local companies.

“I may be just one man in Michigan,” says Jim Hiller. “But I believe that one person can make a difference if he’s bold enough to speak out. I am honored to receive this award.”

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