Producer prices fell 0.5% in October from a month earlier and increased 1.3% annually, according to the Labor Department's produce price index. The month-over-month drop is the most significant since the first half of 2020, and the annual rate fell for the first time since June. Core prices, which exclude food and energy, were unchanged from the previous month and up 2.4% from a year earlier.

Industry groups are urging the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to withdraw a proposal that allows third-party employee representatives to be present during safety inspections. "The proposal does not serve anyone that is interested in furthering workplace safety, and ... conflicts with federal labor law, violates property rights, endangers trade secrets and increases liability risks," says Brian Wild, government relations officer for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.

US Foods Holding is purchasing central California-based Saladino's Foodservice in a deal expected to be completed next month. The acquisition is part of US Foods' expansion plan and will integrate Saladino's operations, more than 500 employees and 4,000 customers with US Foods' resources.

Businesses prepared for supply chain disruptions understand profit segments, develop a response strategy and identify possible disruption points, write Profit Isle Chair Jonathan Byrnes and industry expert Bruce Constantine. Effective management involves prioritizing customers and products that yield the highest returns and using enterprise profit management tools, the pair writes, noting preparing for disruption should involve segmenting customers into profit peaks, drains and deserts, and tailoring strategies accordingly.

Insourcing distribution and fulfillment processes offers companies adaptability, quality assurance and better customer experience but requires greater investment and resource management. Meanwhile, outsourcing offers cost savings, scalability and access to expertise but could reduce control and lead to security concerns, writes Will Quinn, director of distribution industry and solution strategy for Infor. Determining whether to take one approach or combine them "requires an evaluation of a company's unique requirements, resources and strategic goals," Quinn writes.

Though fraud is everywhere, supply chain fraud is quickly affecting new industries, say Atanu Chaudhuri, professor at Durham University Business School, because COVID-era disruptions are still affecting the level of due diligence in supplier selection and bidding processes. To prevent fraud, companies should search for vulnerabilities in their supply chain, update policies and best practices and look into new technologies like AI to spot irregularities as they arise, Chaudhuri advises.

The lower costs and risks of social media marketing, compared to ads in formats like TV, is driving brands like BMW to sign on social agencies of record and agencies like Stagwell to acquire digital specialists. Social media also gives marketers a greater shot at Generation Z, 38% of whom use social apps for at least four hours every day.

The Senate has voted 87-11 to approve a temporary funding measure, postponing a partisan fight over spending until next year. The bill passage provides a reprieve but leaves out emergency aid for allies Ukraine and Israel. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., urges bipartisanship and pledges to work on assistance for Ukraine and Israel immediately after Thanksgiving.

According to New York Times best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell, first impressions are typically made in the first two seconds of a person coming across something new -- a window that can be a make-or-break moment for a small business. In the digital age, Gladwell suggests updating websites, signage and social media platforms, as well as making sure emails, phone calls and texts are handled promptly and appropriately to make a good first impression.

Led by Ron Staffieri, the distinguished former CEO of Chattanooga Shooting Sports, Ron will share his tools, tactics, and leadership prowess with you so you can thrive in the fast-paced distribution landscape. Register today.

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Experience three days of excellent networking opportunities, cutting-edge content, and educational programming for leaders in the wholesale-distribution industry at NAW's Exective Summit Jan. 30 - Feb. 1. Hear from world-class speakers and explore issues critical to the industry. Be prepared for what's next and learn new strategies to get there first. View agenda and registration information here.