Since being acquired by Graybar last year, Valin Corp. has been using its new resources to focus on growth in key markets such as the semiconductor, energy, health sciences and industrial sectors, and the firm has undergone a digital transformation to boost efficiency and customer service while focusing on revenue-producing activities. Recent acquisitions, including Dynamic Solutions and Ad Tech Seals, have expanded Valin's capabilities, particularly in the medical equipment and energy markets, and Valine is also addressing the upcoming retirement of experienced staff through workforce development and automation.

Transportation and logistics are poised for increased merger and acquisition activity due to ongoing supply chain disruptions and prolonged inflation that are opening up opportunities for transportation service providers, according to Brown Gibbons Lang & Co. "While we recognize the pressure higher prices bring, supply chain disruptions coupled with a prolonged inflationary environment can create opportunities, especially as these factors are compounded by environmental and regulatory mandates," said Managing Director Craig Decker, adding the environment should spur a wave of M&A in transportation, logistics and supply chain.

Single-family homebuilding in the US dropped 14.1% in July to its lowest level since March 2023, driven by Hurricane Beryl and an excess inventory of new homes, according to Commerce Department data. Despite a recent drop in mortgage rates, builders' confidence has also declined to the lowest level since December 2023 due to affordability issues.

Supply chains can boost sustainability efforts through collaboration platforms where suppliers, manufacturers and others can share data, writes Camille Manso from Silicon Foundry. "Integration of digital technologies like blockchain, AI and IoT will amplify the effectiveness of these platforms, while a growing focus on the circular economy and social sustainability reflects a holistic approach to collaboration," Manso writes.

Fastenal has reduced costs and become more efficient by integrating electronic procurement into customers' enterprise resource planning systems and by connecting to their third-party software, says CEO Daniel Florness. The efforts helped reduce inventory levels, said Florness.

Using case studies in B2B marketing can significantly enhance credibility and engagement, says Lindsay Young of 3 Aspens Media. Case studies provide third-party validation, demonstrate an understanding of customer pain points and offer engaging storytelling opportunities. Young notes the process of generating case studies can also yield valuable insights for improving business processes, and offers tips for effective case study creation.

Sales managers should focus on the future when coaching salespeople instead of relying only on performance metrics, which measure past results, advises author and sales expert David Brock. "Our jobs, as leaders, is to help maximize the performance of each person on our team," Brock writes.

More than half of Fortune 500 companies view AI as a possible risk, a significant increase from 9% in 2022, according to a survey by Arize AI. Companies highlight concerns such as competition, ethical issues and financial uncertainties. Only 33 companies saw generative AI as an opportunity.

Effective leadership thrives on asking the right questions daily -- focusing on supporting others' goals, understanding their thoughts and exploring recent surprises, writes Fred Ende, director of curriculum and instructional Services for Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. These questions can foster deeper connections and drive meaningful progress within teams, Ende notes.

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