Michigan State Horticultural Society

Distinguished Service Award

Sandy Hill, until her death, was a leader in the agriculture and legislative communities and a former Michigan State Representative, serving as the commodity coordinator for the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Agriculture Development Division since January, 1999. “The agriculture industry has lost a true leader and friend”, says MDA Director Dan Wyant. “Sandy was a life-long advocate for agriculture and rural communities in our state.”

Sandy served two terms as a Michigan State Representative from January 1993 to December 1996, representing the citizens of the 47^th State House District in Genesee County. During her time as a State Representative, Sandy chaired the Housing and Urban Affairs House Committee and was Majority Vice-chair of the Conversation and Natural Resources House Committee. She authored the Tourist Oriented Directional Signage (TODS) legislation and the bill directing six percent of tobacco tax increase monies to the Healthy Michigan Fund.

Mrs. Hill joined MDA in January 1997 and served as commodity coordinator, representing the MDA Director with program and fiscal oversight for Michigan’s legislatively established commodity organizations. She also served as liaison for various agriculture and agri-tourism industry groups.

Before entering public service, Sandy was co-owner of Montrose Orchards with her husband, Donald M. Hill, from 1960 to 1995. The family farm is still in operation under the direction of Sandy and Don’s son, Dan, with over 200 acres of diversified fruit production. Sandy’s influence and dedication to agri-tourism is evident at the farm’s large year-round farm market and bakery.

Sandy was active in many local, district, and conference boards, a 50-year member of the Montrose United Methodist Church, former member of the Michigan Agriculture Marketing & Bargaining Board, past-president of the Genesee County Farm Bureau, and former State vice-chair of the women for the Survival of Agriculture in Michigan.

The Michigan State Horticultural Society is pleased to present the Distinguished Service Award to her husband, Don, and son, Dan. Her tireless dedication in promoting Michigan’s agriculture industry, especially in the areas of agricultural tourism and value-added agriculture products will be missed.