The Montreal Longshoremen's Union has overwhelmingly rejected the Maritime Employers Association's final contract offer, with 99.7% of members voting against it. This rejection further disrupts operations at the already strained port, exacerbating challenges with Canadian imports and exports for both shippers and their customers.

Core & Main has finalized its acquisition of New Jersey-based ARGCO Northeast, a distributor of fire protection products. Initially announced in mid-October, the move follows the recent acquisition of another N.J. company, Eastcom Associates. Core & Main's President Mike Huebert said that ARGCO Northeast's expertise will enhance the company's ability to provide quality fire protection solutions to customers.

DXP Enterprises has expanded its portfolio by acquiring Burt Gurney & Associates and MaxVac, aiming to enhance its offerings in the water and vacuum pump markets. Omaha-based Burt Gurney specializes in the wastewater treatment industry, while California-based MaxVac focuses on vacuum pump services across various sectors. Funded through cash reserves, the moves are expected to bolster DXP's capabilities and geographic reach in both industries.

Warehouse management systems, robotics and other forms of technology are playing a significant role for foodservice providers such as Sysco, Performance Food Group (PFG) and McLane as they have to adjust to changing consumer patterns. PFG's Core-Mark, for example, is using technology to aggregate data better, give customers a more frictionless experience and provide faster third-party delivery.

Finance and accounting leaders are focusing on improving sales forecast accuracy to enhance strategic planning and financial health. Accurate forecasts allow better management of staffing, production and capital expenditures. To improve accuracy, companies should integrate data, involve stakeholders and foster a data-driven culture.

B2B marketers plan to increase spending on technology and data by 13% annually and on events and sponsorships by 8% annually through 2028, according to a Plural Strategy survey. The report also indicates that 77% of marketers expect intent data to become more important over the next 24 months and 90% say the same about digital video.

Companies are considering price increases and supply chain diversification in response to potential tariffs under the Trump administration. With proposed tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese goods, some firms are weighing options that include raising prices, shifting production to other countries and negotiating with vendors to mitigate costs. Finance chiefs have expressed concern about the impact on consumers who are already affected by inflation.

"Halftime" is a common experience for leaders where you go from seeking success to finding significance in your work, writes Jason Smith, founder of the Iceberg Leadership Institute, who recommends taking time to reassess goals, putting your time and resources toward making a difference and shifting your ambitions. "In my experience, this shift not only benefits society but also enriches the leader's life in ways that pure success never could," Smith writes.

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