The consumer price index gained 0.2% from the prior month in February and 2.8% on a year-over-year basis, according to the Labor Department. A core measure that strips out the food and energy categories rose 0.2% for the month and 3.1% from the prior year.

Beacon, a distributor of roofing and building materials, has partnered with Renovate Robotics, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based startup that creates autonomous roofing robots. The partnership aims to improve contractor safety and productivity. Renovate's first robot, Rufus, is set to debut this year, installing asphalt shingles on New Jersey and Pennsylvania residential roofs. Beacon President and CEO Julian Francis says the partnership aligns with the company's focus on safety and efficiency.

Fortiline Waterworks, a Reece Group-owned distributor of underground water, sewer and storm utility products, has acquired Belair Road Supply, a Maryland-based distributor of water, sewer and masonry products. The acquisition expands Fortiline's presence in the Northeast and adds five locations in Maryland and Delaware that will now operate under the Fortiline Waterworks brand.

Chief supply chain officers are largely unprepared for the effect of trade policy changes, including tariffs, as many executives face competing priorities in their roles, according to a report from Egon Zehnder. More than 70% of executives cite cost pressure as a major challenge, followed by changing customer demands and the need to drive operational efficiency.

The introduction last week of President Donald Trump's tariffs, particularly a 25% levy on imports from Mexico and Canada, has created significant uncertainty for businesses like John Vena Inc., a wholesale produce distributor in Philadelphia with 90 employees. The tariffs drive up costs on key imports such as Haas avocados and greenhouse bell peppers. "It's very difficult for somebody in my business to see how tariffs on fresh produce or any food products will serve the current administration in their goal to lower prices at the grocery store," owner John Vena said.

Americans economic expectations are turning increasingly gloomy, according to, according to the latest Survey of Consumer Expectations from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. US households' outlook about their year-ahead financial situations deteriorated in February, and expectations of unemployment, delinquency and credit access are worsened. Despite relatively stable inflation expectations over the next few years, respondents anticipate higher prices for specific items such as food and housing.

Small business optimism decline in February, with the National Federation of Independent Business' index dropping to 100.7 reported a decline in its optimism index for small businesses in February, dropping 2.1 points to 100.7. The NFIB's uncertainty index reached a record high, with inflation and labor quality remaining top concerns.

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.

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