The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is urging Congress to approve a full-year continuing appropriations bill to avert a government shutdown and offer long-term stability for businesses. A shutdown would disrupt supply chains and create economic uncertainty, NAW says. The House Rules Committee advanced a GOP bill to prevent a government shutdown, sending it to the full House for a vote. The measure aims to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year but faces some opposition.

The Shift 2025 Conference, set for May 13-15 in Denver, is a key event for distribution leaders to explore business model transformation, particularly in sales, digital, data analytics and culture. The conference will feature keynotes, including one by Kevin Reid-Morris on AI adoption, and offer extensive roundtable discussions on critical topics such as hybrid sales, digital transformation and data analytics, aiming to redefine industry standards.

Despite concerns about rising costs related to tariff policies, 87% of NetPlus Alliance members anticipate sales growth this year, driven by strategies such as expanding operations, investing in personnel and building crucial relationships. The report also shows a 14.6% rise in distributor purchases from NetPlus suppliers in the fourth quarter.

Home Depot has introduced Magic Apron, an AI-powered online concierge, to assist customers with product inquiries and project guidance in real time. The tool, available on the Home Depot website and app, uses advanced large language models and has been trained with proprietary knowledge to provide detailed answers, summarize reviews and offer project recommendations.

In response to persistent supply chain disruptions, companies are diversifying their sourcing strategies, writes Marina Mayer with QIMA. A QIMA survey shows that two-thirds of global companies plan to maintain or expand Chinese operations, and many US firms are nearshoring, with Mexico emerging as a key partner. In addition, compliance challenges persist as nearly 90% of companies lack complete supply chain visibility, complicating efforts to adapt to evolving regulations, Mayer notes.

B2B tech marketing has evolved from a product-centric initiative to an AI-powered, data-driven approach, positioning marketing as a strategic growth driver. Marketers now use data for decision-making, personalization and revenue impact, breaking down silos across disciplines. This shift requires marketers to blend creativity with analytical skills, leveraging AI for real-time insights and collaboration.

The Senate confirmed Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Labor secretary in a somewhat bipartisan 67-32 vote that included a trio of Republican detractors and support from 17 Democrats. Chavez-DeRemer will oversee a department with 16,000 employees and a potential $13.9 billion budget. In a statement, the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors congratulated Chavez-DeRemer on her confirmation and welcomed "the opportunity to engage with her on the issues that matter most" to NAW members.

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.

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