Jim Hiller named a Top Executive by Corp! Magazine

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – One year ago, Jim Hiller launched his company’s Buy Michigan Initiative to invigorate the local economy. Within months, countless other community businesses followed suit. In January, he ceased cigarette sales in all seven Hiller’s grocery stores to stop enabling a dangerous habit. In April, the governor recognized Hiller’s principled leadership with a Hometown Health Hero Award.

Jim Hiller leads by example and is perhaps more devoted to doing good than to doing well. In his 25-year tenure at the helm of his family company, Hiller has endowed numerous community philanthropies, brought thousands of dollars to churches, synagogues and schools through grocery Scrip programs and mentored an untold number of individuals. He is more than a CEO; he is a leader.

In recognition of this, Corp! Magazine has named Jim Hiller one of its 2009 Top Executives.

Through this award, Corp! recognizes top area executives not only in a congratulatory manner, but really “to inspire and encourage those who make it their business to emulate the best in their field.”

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.”

Hiller’s groceries are located in Ann Arbor, Berkley, West Bloomfield, Northville, Plymouth, Commerce Township and Union Lake. Jim Hiller has always been guided by the societal impact of store activities and corporate decisions.

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