The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is urging lawmakers to quickly extend key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to support small business growth and economic stability. "Our nation's supply chain and wholesale distributors call on Congress to act swiftly to extend the 2017 tax treatment of America's small businesses so they can focus on growing their businesses," NAW said in a statement. "Business owners of all sizes need tax certainty to plan, build, and invest in their workers, and delaying the tax debate only harms growth."

ABC Supply has acquired Richmond, Va.-based Roofing & Supplies, a family-owned business founded in 1970 that specializes in residential roofing and gutter products. ABC Supply Vice President Tom Kuchan said Roofing & Supplies has built a loyal customer base that will help ABC grow its business in the region, where it operates five existing locations. "With their skilled and experienced team joining us, we are confident that we'll continue to deliver the exceptional service our customers deserve," Kuchan said.

US economic activity picked up in March, driven by a strong services sector, according to the S&P Global Flash US Composite Purchasing Managers Index, which increased to 53.5 from 51.6 in February. However, manufacturing saw a slight contraction, with its index at 49.8. Inflation pressures intensified, particularly due to anticipated import tariffs and higher labor costs, raising concerns about the economic outlook.

Tariff fluctuations pose significant challenges for last-mile logistics, requiring real-time adaptation to avoid inefficiencies and increased costs, writes Guru Rao of nuVizz. Companies can gain a competitive edge by investing in technology-driven solutions that offer real-time visibility, dynamic routing and seamless integration, Rao writes.

Equipment borrowing in the US dropped 7.4% year-over-year in February, according to the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association. Credit approvals were steady at 75% in February, the ELFA said, and the total amount borrowed, including new loans, leases, and lines of credit, was $9.7 billion, down from $9.8 billion a year earlier. Equipment borrowing, often seen as a proxy for business confidence, has been volatile in recent months, but the February data was seen as a leveling out.

B2B marketers face challenges in measuring campaign success due to long buying cycles. Experts from Forbes Communications Council suggest metrics such as lead engagement, buyer journey tracking, revenue influence and pipeline velocity. These methods help gauge interest, prioritize prospects and link marketing efforts to sales outcomes.

Employee turnover rates have declined, from 26% in 2022 and 2023 to 18% in 2024, according to data from Payscale. The decrease, dubbed the "Great Stay," is attributed to moderated inflation and economic stability. This could change, though, depending on movement in wealth distribution and the political landscape.

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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