Despite a tentative resolution to the dockworkers' strike, the core issue of port automation continues to divide the union and port operators. National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors CEO Eric Hoplin was a guest on the latest MDM Podcast and highlighted the economic stakes involved, detailing how port distribution affects wholesalers and distributors and emphasizing the importance of resolving the issues.

The prices of goods imported to the US fell 0.4% in September, following a 0.2% decline in August, per Labor Department data, making for the second consecutive monthly decline, primarily attributed to lower fuel prices. Year-over-year, import prices fell 0.1% in September. Excluding fuel, import prices rose 0.1%, marking the third straight monthly increase.

The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cuts and easing inflation will boost construction activity by mid-2025, according to Ed Sullivan, chief economist at the Portland Cement Association. While high interest rates currently burden the sector, declining mortgage rates are expected to enhance home affordability and increase consumer demand. The nonresidential construction sector will benefit from these lower rates, though recovery is not anticipated until 2026.

Warehouse automation is transforming healthcare supply chains by improving efficiency, accuracy and scalability in the distribution of medical supplies, reducing delays and human errors in handling sensitive, regulated products, writes Nirav Doshi, founder & MD of NIDO Group. The adoption of robotics, autonomous mobile robots and automated systems is enabling faster order fulfillment, better inventory control and more reliable deliveries, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and supply chain resilience, Doshu writes.

US retailers are facing an increasingly complex supply chain environment due to factors such as global geopolitical crises, inflation and domestic disruptions, including labor shortages and damaging weather events. To build resilience, supply chain leaders are leveraging real-time visibility tools and collaborating with partners to adapt quickly to shifting conditions, ensuring continued operational efficiency and customer satisfaction despite the complications.

Talent recruitment and retention remain significant challenges for supply chain companies, with high costs tied to turnover and a talent gap due to skilled worker shortages. Many organizations are proactively recruiting more women into key supply chain roles, recognizing that gender diversity enhances productivity, profitability, innovation and decision-making while reducing employee turnover and strengthening the company's brand.

LinkedIn's survey shows that social video content significantly influences B2B tech purchasing decisions. Industry influencers' strength is highest in India, the US and the UK, and 80% of video-consuming buyers trust their content.

Leaders often get mired in patterns despite significant investments in professional development or coaching, unable to deliver lasting impact, leadership coach Stephen Miles writes. He recommends the "going to manual" method that shifts leaders out of automatic so they can focus on re-engaging with fresh eyes.

The Federal Reserve is expected to continue cutting interest rates in November, although rising inflation and mixed signals from the labor market are complicating matters, says Morgan Stanley Wealth Management's Lisa Shalett. The bond market appears to be reacting to the move, with long-term yields rising in anticipation of higher inflation.

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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.