Grainger plans to double its one-million-square-foot distribution center in Minooka, Ill., by purchasing a former IKEA warehouse next door for $78 million. The facility will undergo $33 million in renovations, expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Grainger plans to add 40 to 50 jobs as part of the expansion.

East and Gulf Coast port operators and the International Longshoremen's Association are nearing a Jan. 15 deadline to finalize a contract, with automation continuing to be a key issue in the negotiations. The United States Maritime Alliance has agreed to a 62% wage increase over six years, an agreement that is contingent upon resolving other outstanding issues, including automation, which the ILA opposes. The parties have reportedly agreed to resume formal labor negotiations on Jan. 7.

US District Judge Sam Cummings became the second judge to strike down a Biden administration rule expanding overtime pay, citing improper criteria based on wages. The decision, which aligns with a previous ruling by Judge Sean Jordan, affects a rule that would have raised the salary threshold for overtime eligibility. The rule's future remains uncertain with the Trump administration expected to drop appeals.

Supply chain companies face a significant cybersecurity readiness gap, with 42% unsure how to respond to threats, according to a Hexnode survey. CEO Apu Pavithran highlights the need for a "security-by-design" approach, better employee training and proactive third-party risk management to address vulnerabilities.

Container carrier Maersk advised customers to clear cargo from ports on the US East and Gulf Coasts by Jan. 15 to avoid potential disruptions due to a possible dockworker strike. Negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance remain at an impasse and labor stoppage risks remain high if a deal is not reached. 

Sales expert Colleen Francis emphasizes the importance of genuine conversations over scripted interactions during sales calls and identifies a common mistake where salespeople focus too much on their next question instead of truly listening to clients. To improve listening skills, Francis suggests asking follow-up questions and preparing for discovery by focusing on conversation topics rather than a list of questions.

AI's growing presence in businesses is reshaping strategies, with PwC's Dan Priest emphasizing the need for companies to adapt quickly to stay competitive. He notes the technology is now embedded in many companies' workflows and the focus is shifting to scaling its use responsibly. Priest warns of the risks of slow adoption and the need for maturity tests to ensure AI systems are ready for deployment, drawing parallels to the early internet era and suggesting that early adopters of AI could gain a significant competitive advantage.

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.

Prioritize your organization's greatest asset — your people. NAW’s premier education programs, such as the online Management Academy and the in-depth Distribution Leadership Program at THE Ohio State University, are designed to equip your high-potential employees with the skills and insights they need to lead and succeed. Ensure your rising stars are prepared to drive your business forward by investing in their growth today. Learn more about how NAW can help you develop the leaders of tomorrow.