NAW summit to feature presentations from Gates, Beaulieu | Payrolls rise 199K in Nov., unemployment down to 3.7% | US consumer sentiment rebounds as inflation recedes
Former US Defense Secretary Robert Gates will headline the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors' Executive Summit in Washington, D.C. in January, while economist and author Alan Beaulieu will present on the impact the current economy on wholesale distribution. "Helping our members become agents of change and understand the demands of the market, as well as the economic factors putting pressure on their profits, is why we are proud to be providing high-caliber experts at the 2024 NAW Executive Summit," says NAW President and CEO Eric Hoplin.
Nonfarm payrolls rose by 199,000 in November, an improvement on the 150,000 gain in October, data from the Labor Department showed, and ahead of the expected 190,000 increase. The rise reflects autoworkers' return to work after the conclusion of strikes. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate declined to 3.7%, beating the 3.9% forecast, showing the economy remains resilient despite the effect of continued rate hikes and expectations of a slowdown.
The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index added 8.1 points to register its strongest reading in 4 months in December, partly due to a significant drop in inflation expectations. "Overall, consumers feel more confident about the economy than they did over the past few months, which will likely provide some support to spending despite a modestly weakening labor market," said survey director Joanne Hsu.
Reliable Robotics tested an autonomous cargo flight in the San Francisco Bay area with a Cessna turboprop that was operated by a remote pilot 50 miles away, according to company officials. Reliable Robotics received certification from the FAA in June for its autonomous flight system and is also working with the US Air Force to explore how its technologies can be applied to large cargo aircraft.
The volume of imports into US in November declined 9% from October but was up 7.4% year-over-year, which Descartes attributes to overstocks last year. China has been the primary driver for import volume shifts during 2023, and recently, imports have been shifting from East Coast port delivery to West Coast ports following the labor agreement.
With every external touchpoint, digital supply chains have exponential risks associated with sharing content and data information. Strict information controls, data encryption and software patch management can protect sensitive and proprietary information.
Several strategies can help move prospects toward a purchasing decision, according to Victor Antonio, motivational speaker with Sellinger Group and host of the Sales Influence Podcast. Be sure to focus on the customers' point of view, establish expertise in your industry and focus on customers' best interests.
Many market participants believe that inflation is on its way to being tamed and that the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates next year, but debate continues. Some experts say that the economy hasn't cooled as much as it needs to, with job openings and other metrics still outpacing pre-pandemic levels.
Experience three days of excellent networking opportunities, cutting-edge content, and educational programming for leaders in the wholesale-distribution industry at NAW's Executive 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.
