QXO Chairman and CEO Brad Jacobs will be the keynote speaker at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors Innovators Summit on Sept. 15-17 in Austin, Texas. Jacobs, known for founding and growing multiple billion-dollar companies, will share insights on leadership and technology investment at the event, which focuses on AI, automation, digitization and ecommerce. Read more about the NAW Innovators Summit. 

Electrical supplies distributor Sonepar has signed an agreement to acquire JAV, a Brazilian distributor specializing in industrial automation solutions and an authorized distributor of Rockwell Automation and National Instruments. The deal, pending approval from Brazilian authorities, is expected to close by the end of next month and is intended to strengthen Sonepar's presence in Brazil while expanding its automation capabilities.

The US economy shrank at a 0.5% annual rate in the first quarter, a sharper decline than initially estimated, according to revised Commerce Department data. The revision from a 0.2% drop represents a major drop in economic output as the country battles weaker consumer spending and shifting policies.

Rising return volumes and cost pressures from tariffs have significantly boosted the US reverse logistics market, which reached $150 billion last year, outpacing GDP growth with a projected annual compound rate of 6% to 8% through 2030. Retailers are investing in accelerating and streamlining their returns processes, with top logistics providers like DHL, FedEx, UPS and others playing key roles. Efficient reverse logistics enables quick inspection, refurbishment, and reselling of returned goods, helping to manage inventory costs.

The newly expanded 90-acre storage yard at the Port of Savannah boosted May performance by offering flexibility amid tariff uncertainty. Officials say the expansion positions the port to handle future growth from both traditional and new trade routes as retailers and manufacturers diversify their supply chains.

Traditional cold emailing is becoming ineffective, but AI-driven hyper-personalization can revitalize this strategy, writes Andrew Dunn. Dunn notes that personalization should go beyond using a prospect's first name to include specific details about their business, tailored offers and relevant social proof.

The US and China have finalized a trade understanding first outlined in Geneva, according to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The deal includes a Chinese commitment to deliver rare earth materials, in exchange for the US lifting countermeasures, Lutnick said. The agreement is part of a broader White House effort to secure trade pacts with 10 major partners ahead of a July 9 deadline.

Global dealmaking in the first half of 2025 has dropped to its lowest level in 20 years, with mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, financings and joint ventures down 16%, according to Mergermarket. Tariffs, high interest rates and uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration's policies have been major factors, with smaller companies being particularly affected.

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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