Trans East Trailers has appointed Gary Bell to the position of vice-president of sales. Bell joins the Moncton-based sales staff with many years of experience in both sales and manufacturing. For more information, call Bell at 800-361-0529.

Former secretary-treasurer of the Toronto Transportation Club Murray Symes passed away suddenly on July 6, according to a release from the group’s executive. Symes became a member in 1992 and acted as secretary-treasurer for the club from 1997 to 2001. In 2001 he chose to step down from this position, but continued to be very much involved in the production of the members’ roster. His attention to detail gave the roster the accuracy the members wanted, according to officials, who called Symes a “pleasure” to work with. Marilyn Symes has asked that memorial donations be directed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario www.heartandstroke.ca.

Ken Hartman has been named service contracts business development manager for Thermo King, responsible for leading strategic business development, sales and marketing for the company’s service contracts business. Hartman was previously the district parts manager for Thermo King’s southwest territory, where he was named District Parts Manager of the Year for 2007. Prior to joining Thermo King, Hartman worked for Snap-on Tools, and was most recently the western regional manager for chief automotive technologies. “I look forward to leveraging our strong dealer network and working with our customers to enhance our current service contract offerings, and to further solidify Thermo King’s position as the industry’s total solutions provider,” Hartman said.