The agency was originally established in 1943 by retired advertising manager of the Ford Motor Company Ellis Millard who took great interest in the community serving as Mayor of Southampton in 1945 and 1946 when the term of mayor's office was per annum.
An active member of the Southampton Rotary Club, Ellis was devoted to raising funds for the construction of a new hospital in Southampton. Once completed, Ellis served as Chairman of the Saugeen Memorial Hospital board of directors from 1947 to 1959 until suffering a stoke.
Ellis Millard passed away June 18, 1977
Millard Boulevard, the gardens at the base of the flag on Southampton's High St was later named in his honour.
In 1956 Ellis Millard Insurance agency was sold to Stan Hills who worked with Ellis as a licensed general and life agent with 440 clients.
Further insurance agencies were also acquired; Gladys Carson Agency 1963, Combined Insurance Agency 1966, James Armstrong Agency 1966 and Mildred Bannister Agency in 1967.
In 2001 the agency was acquired by Stan's son Michael and Mary Lou who continued with the town tradition of providing friendly professional insurance advise, service and community involvement until Mary Lou's retirement in 2015.
In 2015 Hills Insurance formed a new partnership with CMR Insurance Brokers.
Hills Insurance President Michael Hills remains in a leadership role and will continue to operate under a joint Hills Insurance /CMR Insurance brand. Over time, the community will see a gradual transition of operating under the CMR Insurance brand in Southampton.
The partnership is the best options for our clients in terms of furture succession plans. Our organizations share the same principles and both parties bring unique skills to the table that will be mutually beneficial for all of our clients.
Above all else, our strength lies in our shared commitment to the community we live and do business in.
