The International Longshoremen's Association and the US Maritime Alliance have reached a tentative six-year master contract, potentially averting a work stoppage. The agreement addresses automation and sets out a framework for both job creation and port modernization. The deal must now be ratified by both ILA and USMX members.

Beacon, a roofing and building materials distributor, has acquired Ryan Building Products and Fairway Wholesale Distribution, both based in Massachusetts. Beacon has also opened greenfield locations in Lebanon, Tenn., and Arnold, Mo., adding convenience for contractors to access building products.

The US trade deficit has reached almost $80 billion, driven by Americans buying more foreign goods and a strong dollar limiting exports, per data from the Census Bureau. Imports totaled $351.6 billion, while exports amounted to $273.4 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $78.2 billion.

AI agents are transforming distributors' business operations by using large language models, application programming interfaces, vectorization, retrieval augmented generation and multimodal interfaces to automate complex workflows, process data, integrate with IT systems and enhance decision-making, writes Hamid Motahari, CEO of UpBrains AI. Advantages of using these agents include improved efficiency, cost reduction, data security and better customer satisfaction by handling tasks like order processing, inventory management and customer communication.

United Natural Foods is undergoing a significant restructuring of its commercial wholesale organization and emphasizing value-added services in a move that will create two divisions: Conventional Grocery Products and Natural, Organic, Specialty & Fresh Products -- each of which will have dedicated sales teams and support from experts in merchandising, operations and procurement. "We want to make sure that our front-facing merchandising and sales focus is very tailored to the strategies of our customers," said UNFI CEO Sandy Douglas.

The reshaping of relationships by modern technology is examined by Anthony Iannarino, who discusses how the convenience of digital communication tools often comes at the cost of meaningful, real-time interactions. Iannarino stresses the need for leaders to recognize the value of face-to-face communication and to cultivate environments where relationships can thrive, despite the pervasive influence of technology.

AI is transforming the workplace by uncovering inefficiencies and enabling employees to focus on meaningful tasks, thus enhancing morale and productivity. This technology supports HR in creating a balanced work environment where employee well-being and organizational efficiency coexist.

Spinoffs in the US are expected to accelerate in 2025, driven by successful past examples, activist investor pressure and potential regulatory requirements for mergers and acquisitions, according to Trivariate Research. Spinoffs typically outperform the S&P 500 by 10% in the first 18 to 24 months, while parent companies perform in line with the index.

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.

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