NAW among groups urging immigration reform | Linde to invest $50B over 10 years in green energy projects | Technology driving change for up to 25% of workforce
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is among more than 430 businesses and trade groups that created the Legal Immigration and Border Enforcement Reform This Year campaign and sent a letter to lawmakers urging action on immigration measures that would increase US-Mexico border security, change asylum laws and employment verification requirements. "When it comes to individual priorities, our organizations may differ, but the one thing we agree on is that another year of inaction on border security and legal immigration reform is not an acceptable option," according to the letter.
Industrial gases giant Linde is looking to invest more than $50 billion over the next decade in transport, energy and industrial sectors worldwide, including $30 billion in the US, to support governments' efforts to develop green energy, said CEO Sanjiv Lamba. The company reported first-quarter earnings rose 17% and raised its earnings guidance for the year amid higher prices and productivity initiatives.
Almost 25% of workers worldwide will be affected by the advent of artificial intelligence, the shift to green energy and other developments during the next five years, per a World Economic Forum survey. Sharp declines in traditional clerical tasks along with a surge in demand for specialists in technology and associated fields such as cybersecurity are identified as key trends.
The California Air Resources Board voted unanimously in favor of the Advanced Clean Fleets rule, which bans the sale of new diesel semitrucks in California by 2036 and requires all trucks to emit zero emissions by 2042. Some major truck manufacturers have spoken out in opposition of the rule, arguing that new electric trucks and conversions are too costly.
Firms are looking to cut technology spending amid broader cost cuts in preparation for a likely recession. CFOs and corporate boards are working closely with technology leaders to identify efficiencies and simplify technology budgets, with a particular focus on software and cloud spending.
An effective sales enablement plan includes a sales process that documents proven results, explains how sellers can align with the buyer's perspective and makes clear the traits and skills needed to sell well, marketing consultant Adam Carpenter writes. Content such as scripts, demos and case studies, plus detailed training materials and timelines, also should be part of a sales enablement plan.
Barbara Winters, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester, discusses what younger business-to-business buyers expect from brands, including high-quality interactions and a preference for digital material not controlled by vendors. B2B marketers must ensure "influencer marketing components are … strongly aligned to all of your messaging and what you know about how you know your buyers go through their journeys," Winters advises.
Work anniversaries and noteworthy achievements deserve celebration, and the right gift can strengthen employer-employee relationships and workplace culture, business blogger Chantal Bechervaise writes. Professional development, extra time off and personalized gifts are among Bechervaise's suggestions.
