Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas have approved a new six-year labor agreement that includes a 62% pay raise following a vote by the International Longshoremen's Association. The decision ends the contentious labor negotiations at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, and the new contract also provides protection against automation that could lead to job cuts.
The House of Representatives has narrowly passed a budget resolution backed by President Donald Trump with a 217-215 vote on Tuesday evening. This resolution paves the way for future budget talks in the Senate and proposes substantial changes to fiscal policy, including $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending reductions over ten years.
Beacon Roofing Supply has opened four greenfield branches in Texas, Wisconsin, Indiana and Florida. The Lafayette, Ind., and La Crosse, Wis., branches will serve the upper Midwest region, while the St. Augustine, Fla., location will expand the firm's reach in the First Coast area and the Frisco, Texas, facility will primarily serve the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The expansion comes amid an ongoing takeover attempt by upstart building products distributor QXO.
A Breakthrough survey of 500 transportation leaders indicates that 44% anticipate product shortages due to tariffs and climate events, while 34% expect regulatory changes to be significant. Additionally, 37% of respondents feel "very prepared" for disruptions, and 55% are "somewhat prepared." Shippers and carriers are also preparing to transition to a carrier-friendly freight market, with many securing rates and diversifying partnerships.
A report from McKinsey shows that companies leading in procurement have digital capabilities maturity scores 40% higher than others. The report also identifies several challenges for procurement teams, including the need for better digital infrastructure and accurate data integration. Executives express concerns over limited visibility into organizational spending, poor data quality and the complexity of integrating data from various sources.
Marketers can only be successful if they let generative AI "out of the cage" to fully take advantage of its potential, writes Kantar's Jane Ostler, who notes that more than half of marketers her company surveyed do not use it. "We have the privilege of being able to shape what [generative AI] can do, figure out what marketing could look like in 25 years -- and work back from there," Ostler writes.
AI agents are set to become as integral as human colleagues, predicts Slack CMO Ryan Gavin. Companies like Salesforce and Sierra are pushing autonomous agents that perform tasks from sales to personal shopping. While AI agents can be inconsistent and may lead to job displacement, experts say they offer cost-effective solutions and can achieve "superhuman results" through creativity.
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.
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is one of America’s leading trade associations, representing the $8 trillion wholesale distribution industry. Our industry employs more than 6 million workers throughout the United States, accounting for approximately 1/3 of the U.S. GDP. 250,000 wholesale distribution companies operate across North America, including all 50 states. Learn more.
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