Pack Expo International spurred growth in quotation activity, according to the Business Conditions Index (BCI), a monthly report published by Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI). Sales leads, says BCI’s measurement index for the October 12-November 15, 2002 period, jumped from 21.7 points to 75.7—25 points above the midpoint of 50, which indicates expansion. BCI collects and tabulates data from approximately 100 of PMMI’s member companies. The data includes four business indicators: general business conditions, new orders, shipments and quotations/proposal activity. An index of 50-plus indicates expansion, while below 50 indicates a slowdown.

Parker Hannifin Corporation’s Skinner Valve Division changed its name to Parker Fluid Control Division.

USA Sunrise Beverages, Inc., based in South Dakota, acquired Avid Canada, Inc. Located in Alberta, Avid Canada, Inc. is involved in new technologies for microchip identification of animals and property.

Aurora Foods Inc. named Mark J. Knotts to the newly created position of vice president, logistics. He will report to Eric Brenk, senior vice president, operations, and will oversee logistics and the customer service group for all of the company’s products.

Campbell Soup Company hired Jay Gould as chief marketing officer for Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated based in Norwalk, CT. Previously Gould served as vice president, portfolio development and innovation for the global marketing division of the Coca-Cola Company.

Steven J. Heyer has been named president and chief operating officer of The Coca-Cola Company. Previously Heyer led Coke operations in Latin America.

Richard A. Noll has been elected senior vice president of Sara Lee Corporation by the company’s board of directors. Noll was appointed chief executive officer of the St. Louis-based Sara Lee Bakery Group in July 2002.

John W. Rice has been appointed business group vice president and chief executive officer of Unilever Bestfoods North America. In addition, he will continue as CEO of Slim-Fast Worldwide.