GMS has agreed to be acquired by SRS Distribution, a Home Depot subsidiary, in a $5.5 billion deal expected to close by Jan. 31. The deal will strengthen Home Depot's position in the building materials market and create a network of over 1,200 locations and 8,000 trucks. GMS' senior leadership, including GMS President and CEO John C. Turner Jr., will continue to lead within the SRS organization.

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is urging Congress to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which extends and builds on the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The bill includes provisions such as making the 199A small-business deduction permanent and reinstating 100% bonus depreciation. "Failing to act will not only deprive the US economy of much needed growth but will also saddle American workers and businesses with the largest tax hike in history," NAW said in a statement.

US consumer spending unexpectedly declined by 0.1% in May, as the impact of pre-emptive buying ahead of tariffs faded. The Commerce Department report shows a 0.8% drop in goods spending, particularly on motor vehicles, while services spending rose by only 0.1%. Personal income fell by 0.4%, the most significant decline in nearly four years.

As part of its Network 2.0 consolidation program, FedEx will be closing 30% of its US package distribution facilities in the next two years. The plan involves integrating the Express and Ground networks to enhance transport efficiency and reduce costs by removing surplus capacity. It is expected to cut structural costs by $1 billion this year, with $200 million already saved this quarter, according to executives during an earnings briefing.

Global shipping is increasingly facing navigation challenges from GPS jamming and spoofing, particularly in conflict zones like the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Black Sea and Baltic Sea. The issue has led to incidents such as the Nissos Nikouria losing GPS during Israeli strikes on Iran and a tanker collision near the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about safety and insurance. The International Maritime Organization and other UN bodies have issued warnings, highlighting the vulnerability of maritime trade.

B2B marketers looking to drive growth in 2025 should consider increasing brand mentions, optimizing for AI-powered search and using AI for prospecting, Gianluca Ferruggia writes. "In 2025, staying relevant means optimizing every touchpoint, from AI-powered prospecting to personalized content delivery," Ferruggia writes.

Feedback can be fuel for your team as well as your career, which is why you should seek to give -- and receive -- four critical forms of feedback, including highlighting a person's strengths and instructing them on how to correct problems to get to the next level of progress, writes leadership development consultant Amber Johnson. "When feedback isn't clear and present, you may not know how you need to grow and develop," notes Johnson.

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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