US GDP grew at a 2.4% rate in the fourth quarter of 2024, a slightly faster pace than previously estimated, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The numbers included higher estimates of net exports, business investment and government spending, although consumer spending was revised downward.

Modern Distribution Management announced its 2025 Women in Distribution honorees, recognizing 20 women for their contributions growth, innovation and leadership in the distribution industry. Among the honorees were more than a half-dozen women affiliated with National Association of Wholesaler-Distributor member companies, including the following: Katie Poehling Seymour of First Supply, Birte Von Schwarzenfeld of Beacon Roofing Supply, Melissa Shute of MSC Industrial Supply, Melissa Thompson of Uline, Sonia Timmons of Vallen, Katy Vu of Bunzl and Sonya Wells of SRS Distribution.

John Nantz, principal of Redwood Advisors, appeared on the latest episode of the MDM Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on how distributors have adapted to various disruptions and adopted technology to become more agile and customer-centric. Nantz, a former McKinsey consultant who will share insights at MDM's SHIFT Conference in May, also details five imperatives for distributors to differentiate, including optimizing workforce, deepening customer integrations and building out core value-added services.

President Donald Trump has warned that the US may impose significant tariffs on the European Union and Canada if they take actions that harm the American economy. This follows a Wednesday evening announcement by the Trump administration that they will impose an additional 25% tariff on auto imports. In response, the EU is preparing countermeasures, with France advocating for the use of the anti-coercion instrument. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has sought to strengthen ties with European allies amid the ongoing dispute.

Amazon is a leader in AI-driven supply chain management, utilizing it to enhance demand forecasting, logistics operations and inventory optimization. This integration enables proactive adjustments, reducing costs and improving efficiency by anticipating disruptions like weather changes and geopolitical events.

The trucking industry is facing a severe driver shortage, with the American Trucking Associations reporting a shortfall of approximately 80,000 drivers in 2021, which could escalate to 160,000 by 2030. The shortage underscores the urgency for innovative recruitment strategies such as flexible schedules and using social media to find candidates.

Chief marketing officers have strengthened relationships with CEOs and better understand business objectives but struggle to demonstrate financial impact, per the Boathouse 2025 CEO study. The study highlights a "growth gap," with CEOs viewing CMOs more as those who execute rather than develop strategy. To address this, CMOs should translate CEO priorities into measurable outcomes, build financial acumen and implement attribution frameworks, writes Boathouse's Jackie Wolin.

McKinsey's recent research highlights the critical link between employee health and economic productivity, estimating a potential value of $11.7 trillion. Key insights include the impact of presenteeism -- where employees are present but not fully productive -- on economic output, and that older workers tend to report better health than younger ones, who face higher burnout rates.

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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