NAW CEO and President Eric Hoplin appeared on Mornings with Maria on Fox Business again on Tuesday to discuss the International Longshoreman's Association strike at East and Gulf Coast ports. Hoplin started by sharing a glimmer of positive news, noting that US wholesalers and distributors have been preparing for months by bringing in additional supplies and rerouting goods. Hoplin criticized the Biden administration and again called on the president to intervene and "get our ports back in order." He also reiterated automation is needed for US ports to stay competitive on a global scale, saying the union's opposition to it would "lock America back in the Stone Age for another six years."

Industrial distribution merger and acquisition activity was robust, with 27 deals in September, slightly below the monthly average for the year but still strong compared with historical data. Sonepar's acquisition of Summit Electric Supply to enhance its presence in the Southwest was the standout deal, along with other significant moves from Beacon, White Cap, Builders FirstSource and US LBM. The year-to-date total of 261 deals is significantly outpacing last year. 

The ramifications of the damage Hurricane Helene caused to distribution networks in western North Carolina has not yet been quantified, but flooding from the storm closed parts of two interstates, shut down extensive areas of roadway and caused hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses to lose power. Supply drops coordinated by the North Carolina Trucking Association are a helpful start, but in themselves are "not enough," said its president and CEO Ben Greenberg, commenting on the potential ways a port strike could complicate the crisis.

Walmart can use stores as fulfillment nodes when disruptions strike regardless of how items were purchased, which was particularly helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Parvez Musani, Walmart USA senior vice president of end-to-end fulfillment. Musani discusses how Walmart is refining its ability to use an AI-powered simulation platform to increase effectiveness while also espousing a strategy of being "people-led and tech-powered."

Selecting the right customer relationship management tool is crucial for distributors to drive sales and improve customer relationships. Proton.ai's Benj Cohen outlines key considerations, such as recognizing the need for a CRM, avoiding lightweight options and focusing on sales-driven features. Sales leadership plays a vital role in CRM adoption, and overcoming initial resistance can lead to significant long-term benefits.

Among five technology trends business-to-business marketers should be aware of is a shift from search engine optimization to generative AI optimization, which means content marketing must be "contextual, conversational and current," writes Bold Digital Architects' Noa Eshed. Other trends include the popularity of audio content, such as podcasts, and the use of newsletter platforms like Substack to replace traditional email campaigns.

Nearly 40% of economists see a Federal Reserve "monetary policy mistake" as the top economic risk over the next year, with 23% concerned about the upcoming presidential election, a survey by the National Association for Business Economics showed. The responses show economists are focusing on the Fed as it cuts interest rates, and come before Fed chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to speak in Nashville. Powell is expected to discuss the Fed's decision to cut rates and the outlook for 2025.

Wisconsin-based distributor Packer Fastener's expansion into neighboring states highlights the importance of strategic planning and operational readiness. President Jason Ledvina outlines key considerations such as market research, logistics and legal compliance, as well as the need for a clear vision and adaptability when growing a business.

Join a select group of high-caliber professionals for an exclusive program designed to accelerate your career in wholesale distribution. This intensive, 5-day certificate program, led by seven expert faculty members from The Ohio State University, will equip students with the strategic skills and knowledge to navigate industry challenges, drive growth, and lead with confidence. Hurry, the fall program is October 21 – 25, 2024. Learn More.

The NAW Company Roundtables are an exclusive community of thought leaders from Billion Dollar and Large Company distribution enterprises who congregate to network with non-competing peers in multiple lines of trade on key issues. Learn more about the many Roundtable event opportunities we offer, and how your leaders can get involved. Learn more.

Join us in Washington, D.C., January 27 -29, for NAW's Executive Summit, bringing together the best and brightest leaders from the wholesale distribution industry. Learn more here.