NAW lauds debt ceiling agreement | US Foods highlights corporate social responsibility gains | Advance Auto Parts posts $42.7M in Q1 profits on $3.4B in sales
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors joined other business groups in showing support for the debt ceiling bill created by the Biden administration and Republican lawmakers, which was approved by the House on Wednesday and now heads to the Senate. NAW CEO Eric Hoplin said members "are fearful [of] what the economic impacts would be for them, their businesses, and the customers they serve" if an agreement is not reached, adding the association is joining other groups to urge lawmakers to approve the deal.
US Foods made progress toward its corporate social responsibility targets last year, partnering with about 90 suppliers to source local or sustainable products and embarking on initiatives to cut emissions and add electric vehicles to its fleet. In its 2022 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, the distributor also highlighted momentum toward creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and supply chain, supporting communities through volunteer work, scholarships and donated meals.
Electronic logistics can offer a comprehensive view of supply chains with real-time transportation and distribution data, which can lead to improved operational accuracy and efficiency, writes IT supply chain expert Arindam Mukherjee. E-logistics also facilitate clear and reliable communication, reduce costs and enhance customer service, Mukherjee writes.
Packaging decision-makers say packaging development should focus on reducing cost and waste while increasing sustainability, but the industry is hampered by outdated or hard-to-understand testing standards, according to an Industrial Physics survey. Most respondents say areas ripe for packaging innovation include increasing quality, safety and recyclability.
Seventy percent of business-to-business marketers plan to up their budgets this year, with social media being the top priority, followed by content marketing, display and paid search, per Wpromote and Ascend2. In addition, 60% are either excited or hopeful about artificial intelligence, and the top areas for AI investment are personalizing experiences and generating content.
The need for ethical standards and governance of artificial intelligence as it experiences a surge in growth is an issue not just for the tech industry, but for those in marketing and other fields, writes Boathouse's Karen Baker, who urges marketers to review current ethics guidance from the Federal Trade Commission and the White House Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights. "Viewing AI as a social problem -- not just a technological issue -- can build more ethical practices," Baker writes.
It's a leader's job to create a positive, healthy working environment, and being alert to signs of stress in your colleagues is part of that. Modeling effective ways of dealing with your own stress can help your colleagues better manage theirs, executive coach Lolly Daskal writes.
Humility and trust are key values for a leader, says Tracy Young, co-founder of sales tech company TigerEye, who recounts how she overcame imposter syndrome and other lessons she has learned in leadership, including the importance of listening. "I learned that I'm just a better leader if I am able to listen to people on the team and understand what their obstacles are and whether I can unblock them or connect them with someone else on the team to help them move forward," Young says.
