US productivity growth has surged, with quarterly productivity rising by at least 2% year over year in 2024, compared with 0.1% in Canada since 2019 and less than 1% in Europe since 2015. Factors include pandemic-related labor market shifts, technological adoption and increased business formation.

AFC Industries has distinguished itself in the industrial distribution market with an extensive track record of acquisitions -- 11 deals since 2023 -- and by aligning company cultures and customer service. AFC focuses on deals that enhance management expertise, capabilities and access to attractive markets. CEO Kevin Godin also emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, maintaining trust through vendor-managed inventory and using data-driven insights and predictive analytics to address industry challenges.

Consumer sentiment in the US reached its highest level in eight months, with a significant political divide evident in the University of Michigan's survey. Sentiment among Republicans surged following Trump's election win, while Democrats' sentiment fell to its lowest since September 2020. The divide also affects inflation expectations, with Republicans anticipating a decrease to 1.3% and Democrats expecting a rise to 3.2%.

In the current supply chain landscape, a significant amount of capital is tied up in inventory and procurement, limiting flexibility and effective use of working capital, writes Paul Noble, the founder and CSO of Verusen. By leveraging AI and innovative financial strategies, companies can optimize inventory on their balance sheets and liberate capital, which can enhance supply chain efficiency and create leaner, more resilient operations.

Drones are transforming last-mile delivery by offering rapid and efficient solutions, particularly in urban and suburban areas. Companies like Wing and Flytrex are focusing on using autonomous drones to deliver small packages, food and medical supplies, helping to transform the drone logistics market. The market is expected to grow from $1.3 billion this year to $275.8 billion by 2037, driven by advancements in AI and autonomous technologies.

B2B marketing budgets are set to rise in 2025, with 41% of companies planning increases, according to the Sagefrog 2025 B2B Marketing Mix Report. Technology will be the top spending area, followed by direct and content marketing, while AI is the top priority for sales and marketing next year.

The aging workforce offers significant benefits to companies, including a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge that can enhance decision-making and team dynamics, writes Michelle Westfort, the chief strategy & solutions officer at InStride. "By offering continuous education, flexible learning options and capability-building learning programs, organizations create a culture where seasoned employees feel valued and equipped for the future," Westfort notes.

House and Senate Republicans are discussing their legislative priorities for 2025 as they prepare for the incoming administration. Senate Republicans favor a two-bill approach, addressing border security and other shared priorities first, while some House leaders are concerned about delaying action on taxes.

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.

Interested in membership with NAW? Reach out and let us know how we can help you.