Jim Hinds, 75, co-founder of Hinds-Bock Corp., Bothell, Wash., passed away in January after a battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Jim was an industry leader and innovator who began his career in food machinery manufacturing in 1968 with the Philip Bock Co.

While at Hinds-Bock, he was instrumental in several innovations and received a couple of patents for some unique spouting designs for depositors, notes his son, Gary Hinds. Jim also was involved in the development of a tabletop muffin depositor now used in Costco’s in-store bakeries. He was recognized more than once for his work on packaging, and was the recipient of one packaging of the year award.

Jim retired from day-to-day activities at Hinds-Bock in 1996 to spend time with his family and work on his ‘50s- and ‘60s-era hot rods and roadsters, says Gary, who adds that his dad was “a gearhead.” Among the vintage cars in his collection was a ’65 Mustang convertible and many motorcycles. As a 25-year-old, Jim even made the cover of Hot Rod magazine.

In addition, Jim was an avid photographer. “He loved taking pictures,” Gary says, adding that his father shot “hundreds and hundreds of pictures of cars.” He also took many photos while serving in the army during the Korean War. And “he had an incredible sense of humor,” Gary says, adding with a laugh that Jim always said he wanted to donate his brain to research, but he wasn’t sure what they’d do with it.

“He led a full life,” Gary asserts. “He crammed a lot in 75 years.”

Jim is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and four children: Darlene, Donna, Diane and Gary. Donations can be made in his name to the Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy at CurePSP, Executive Plaza 3, 11350 McCormick Road, Ste. 906, Hunt Valley, Maryland, 21031. Gifts also can be made online at www.PSP.org ; click on Give a Gift.

Sterrett Campbell and Charles Burford will receive BEMA’s lifetime achievement award at the association’s Winter Summit, which runs March 1-2 in Chicago. The summit also features a new session titled “Business IQ,” the first in a series of educational programs designed to help BEMA members do business better.

The first Business IQ topic will be an insider’s look at implementing and running ERP and CRM, presented by Rick Hoskins IV of Foodbotics and Joyce Tate of Burford Corp.

Additionally, BEMA has revised its format for standing committee meetings by introducing roundtables on timely topics. For the Winter Summit, the topics will be “IBIE 2010” and “ANSI/BISSC.” These roundtables will be held on March 1 after BEMA’s committee meetings.

“We are always working to keep BEMA’s meetings fresh and relevant,” says Mark Ungashick, BEMA convention and programs committee chair. “The addition of the roundtables will give members an opportunity to address and have input on timely issues. The information provided by Business IQ speakers will help our members better run their businesses.”

For more information or to register for BEMA’s Winter Summit, visit www.BEMA.org or call 1-913-338-1300.

The legends behind Thomas’ English muffins, Meyer Family Bakeries and Roman Meal, are among the names that have been selected for the 2008 class of the Baking Hall of Fame, according to the American Society of Baking. The induction will be held on March 3 as a part of the opening ceremony of BakingTech at the Chicago Marriott Downtown in Chicago.

Among the chosen bakers are Samuel B. Thomas of Thomas’ English muffins, now part of George Weston Bakeries; Charles T. Meyer of Meyer Family Bakeries; and Charles Matthaei of Roman Meal. Otto Rohwedder, the inventor of the first bread-slicing machine, will be the representative from the equipment manufacturing sector, while Charles Fleischmann of Fleischmann’s Yeast fame will be the inductee from the ingredient technology side of the industry.

In addition, Victor Marx, founder and first secretary (president) of the American Society of Bakery Engineers, will be recognized for industry service.

“The selection of these six individuals represents a tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation across the industry,” says George Poulus, ASB chairman. “We all continue to prosper today because of the accomplishments of these individuals.”

The Baking Hall of Fame is located at the American Institute of Baking in Manhattan, Kan., and can be visited online at www.BakingHallofFame.org .

The society’s BakingTech 2008 conference runs March 2-5 in Chicago. To register, visit www.ASBE.org or call 1-866-920-9885.

“Supermarket Guru” Phil Lempert will moderate two panels, one consisting of some of the leading retailers in the United States and the second made up of actual baked goods shoppers, during the American Bakers Association’s annual convention, which runs March 30-April 2 in Phoenix, Ariz.

Lempert will explore emerging trends and new product opportunities, as well as give examples of best-in-class bakeries.

William Bennett, social conservative, radio host and author, will keynote the ABA PAC Dinner and discuss the 2008 election.

Meanwhile, Ret. Gen. John Abizaid, who led simultaneous international coalitions in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and the Persian Gulf, will highlight the Allied Trades of the Baking Industry Breakfast.

For more information on the convention, visit www.AmericanBakers.org .

Members of Shearer’s Foods’ management team, led by CEO Bob Shearer, will remain in their current positions following the purchase of the Brewster, Ohio-based company by Mistral Equity Partners, a private equity firm located in New York.

“Shearer’s has a leading and unique position in the snack food market that is supported by strong, long-term customer relationships, and an experienced and well-respected management team,” notes Andrew Heyer, Mistral’s chief executive. “We look forward to working with Shearer’s management team to achieve new levels of growth.”

Shearer adds that his executive team members also will be investors in the business, along with other co-investors.

“This is a great opportunity for Shearer’s management, associates and our community,” he says. “Our focus on quality and product excellent has been a core principle of our company throughout its history, and this we’ll continue as we grow our business.”

Heyer founded Mistral in 2007. The company primarily invests in North American companies valued between $100 million and $500 million.