The consumer price index was up 0.2% in October and rose 2.6% from a year earlier, according to the Labor Department. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy categories, gained 0.3% for the month and 3.3% annually. The data, which was in line with Wall Street expectations, showed inflation broadly moderating, but rising shelter costs were a major contributor to higher prices.

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors congratulated Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., on being elected Senate Majority Leader. "NAW has had a long-standing and productive relationship with Leader Thune, a proven advocate of free enterprise and economic growth with a deep understanding of the supply chain's crucial role in supporting American business," said NAW President and CEO Eric Hoplin, adding Thune's "steadfast dedication to pro-business policies will be instrumental in advancing America's economic strength."

NAW President and CEO Eric Hoplin congratulated Speaker Mike Johnson on his re-election as Speaker of the House. Hoplin said Johnson has proven to be committed to pro-business solutions and has a strong understanding of supply chain's impact on the economy. "We look forward to continuing our work together to support the wholesale distribution industry, promote economic growth, and champion the small and medium-sized businesses that are essential to America's prosperity," Hoplin said.

Trade is rebounding in the Panama Canal after record drought lasting two years and challenging El Nino conditions. The Panama Canal Authority has optimized water usage and introduced a long-term booking system, resulting in increased average vessel size and reduced wait times. The canal is gradually returning to normal transit levels, aiming for 36 transits per day by January.

It is typical for supply chain managers to be risk-averse, but learning to balance risk management with optimism about opportunities that present themselves is one of the keys to an entrepreneurial outlook that can have long-term benefits, write professors at the University of Tennessee Knoxville's Global Supply Chain Institute. Being proactive about innovation and reframing supplier and partner relationships to move beyond a transactional model can help too, the professors write.

Amazon has reportedly developed smart glasses based on its Echo Frames product to be worn by its drivers and improve the final 100 yards of the delivery process by helping them navigate buildings more effectively and freeing up their hands to carry more parcels. Drivers would see a small display in one of the lenses, would rely on the glasses to take pictures confirming delivery location and would have access to voice command options via Alexa, according to sources.

Richard Holmes of Ledger Bennett warns against a transactional approach in B2B marketing that focuses solely on pushing products. This approach often fails to engage buyers and build relationships, Holmes writes, citing the importance of understanding audience needs and creating content that fosters genuine interaction.

Workers spend about a third of their time in meetings, many of which are unproductive, write Frances Frei, a professor at Harvard Business School, and Anne Morriss, a founder of The Leadership Consortium, who suggest leaders treat employees' time as a strategic resource and focus on fewer and better meetings. They recommend creating meeting agendas, using AI for note-taking and sharing audio recordings with people who weren't in the meeting.

Americans plan to make significant big-ticket purchases in the coming year, with a notable pick-up in the number saying they plan to buy vehicles, homes and appliances, according to a Bank of America consumer survey. Some 43% of respondents are planning to purchase a new vehicle, 32% intend to buy new appliances and 21% are looking to purchase a new home. 

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.