With potential 2025 tariffs looming, distributors face renewed pressures similar to those experienced during previous tariff implementations, including rising procurement costs and logistical disruptions. To mitigate these impacts, distributors are advised to adopt proactive pricing strategies, such as cost-plus adjustments and dynamic pricing, while enhancing supply chain resilience. Transparent communication with customers about price changes is also crucial to maintaining trust and competitiveness.

President-elect Donald Trump's proposals to deport undocumented workers and impose tariffs on construction materials threaten to disrupt the construction industry. Undocumented workers are crucial to the sector, making up a significant portion of the workforce, particularly in states like Texas and California. Deregulation is seen as positive, but tariffs on imported materials and labor shortages could further escalate costs.

The US Maritime Alliance said automation and new technologies must be "core priorities" in any new agreement with the International Longshoremen's Association. The USMX emphasized the critical role of automation in the future operations of US ports, highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. "Port operations must evolve," the USMX said in a statement, adding the organization is not seeking to eliminate jobs.

An EY survey of 347 supply chain leaders reveals a disconnect between supply chain executives and the C-suite, with 88% of respondents saying the C-suite views the supply chain as a cost center. While 90% of respondents say CEOs appreciate the supply chain's financial impact, 78% say cost management is again the priority. The survey also highlights differing views on technology adoption and the pace of achieving autonomous supply chains.

Agentic AI is emerging as a transformative force in supply chain management by enhancing tasks such as dynamic pricing and risk management, writes AnswerRocket's Mike Finley. Companies such as Meta and OpenAI are leading advancements, while a Capgemini survey shows that 82% of groups plan to integrate AI agents within three years.

David Brock challenges leaders to assess whether they and their management teams are "A Players," emphasizing that top-performing leaders are crucial for maximizing team performance. Key traits of "A Players" include growth-oriented mindsets, results orientation, adaptability and high emotional intelligence.

There was a slight increase in economic activity in November, with businesses expressing optimism about future demand, according to the Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book report. While growth was modest, expectations rose across most regions and sectors. Consumer spending remained stable, and inflation rose only marginally, with companies facing challenges in passing on higher costs. Employment growth was steady, with subdued hiring and low turnover.

Office etiquette is crucial for creating a respectful and collaborative work environment, especially as employees return to physical workspaces postpandemic, writes Gleb Tsipursky, the CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts. Many employees, particularly those who started working during remote conditions, need more familiarity with office norms, Tsipursky notes, so managers must work to reset office culture to ensure effective communication and reduce conflicts.

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.

Dana Perino, former White House Press Secretary, journalist and bestselling author, will share her unique insights into leadership, effective communication during times of change, and how to capitalize on a shifting political landscape. Dana brings an insider’s knowledge to her political analysis, addressing what’s on the minds of the American people and politicians with clarity and precision, leveraging a unique understanding of what organizations need to know about how the public is being affected by the current political climate.