US manufacturers and trade inventories increased 2.2% from a year earlier and rose 0.1% in September after a 0.3% increase the previous month, per Census Bureau data. Sales increased by 0.3% in September, a 0.5% from a year earlier, to $1.8 trillion. The inventory-to-sales ratios edged up from 1.35 to 1.38.

Mike DeCata, a board member of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, shares highlights from his four-decade career in machine, repair and operations supply. He discusses his experiences at General Electric, United Rentals, Grainger and The Chefs Warehouse before becoming CEO of Lawson Products. DeCata also shares insights on leadership, accountability and changes in the distribution channel with the MDM Podcast.

PrimeSource Building Products will offer its Wolf Home Products line to builders and homeowners in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee starting Jan. 2. The moldings, trim, decking and railing products are suited to the weather and lifestyle of the Southeast, and the company will also create marketing strategies for the expansion, including social media campaigns, collaborations and participation in home improvement shows.

The Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration has announced nearly $580 million in funding for port infrastructure through the Port Infrastructure Development Program. Sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the funds will support 31 projects across 15 states and one territory to enhance supply chain resilience and address environmental impacts on port communities.

Automation in logistics is revolutionizing warehouse operations, requiring robust change management strategies. Key to this process are detailed analyses and open communication with employees and suppliers, ensuring efficiency gains and process improvements.

The FDA has released guidance for the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program, a fee-based initiative that expedites the importation of food from importers with high safety standards. The guidance covers benefits, eligibility, application instructions and conditions for participation, aiming to encourage robust supply chain management.

B2B marketers are primarily investing in AI to boost efficiency, gather better data and insights, and save time, according to an ON24 survey. The research shows that 54% of marketers believe AI will definitely improve productivity, while 37% think it probably will. Currently, AI is mostly used for analytics and creating content.

To effectively engage introverted employees, organizations should revise their assessment methods to accommodate diverse working styles, writes executive coach Joel Garfinkle. Encouraging inclusive conversations and providing alternative communication channels can help introverts share their insights, which ensures that their valuable contributions are recognized and acted on, Garfinkle recommends.

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.