The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is launching a series of Strategic Advisory Groups to address challenges and opportunities in the distribution sector. Focused on six areas -- including commercial growth, finance, operations and technology -- the groups aim to advance best practices and innovation through peer-to-peer communities. "This is more than a professional network, it's a strategic brain trust for our industry," said NAW President and CEO Eric Hoplin. "By convening the top minds in distribution, we're ensuring that our members are not only ready for what's next, but they're also leading it."

Grainger CEO D.G. Macpherson attributed the industrial supplier's growth to digital investments and operational efficiency. Despite external challenges such as tariffs, Grainger's Endless Assortment segment, including Zoro US and MonotaRO, has shown 20% sales growth. "We've built a strong foundation anchored by a world-class supply chain and enhanced by strategic investments in product information and digital capabilities," Macpherson said, adding those efforts, the company's scale and ability to provide alternative product solutions allow it "deliver unmatched value in any environment."

The US government issued detailed guidance on implementing President Donald Trump's expanded reciprocal tariffs, specifying that the new levies would be effective on products loaded for shipment to the US as of 12:01 a.m. today. Announced last week, the latest round of tariffs aims to increase pressure on trading partners and incentivize domestic manufacturing. The roll-out follows a previous delay that allowed countries time to negotiate before the levies were enforced.

Dynamic pricing requires a structural and cultural shift within organizations, with sourcing leaders needing to align internal stakeholders and segment suppliers based on their readiness for dynamic pricing, writes sourcing expert Aniket Kulkarni. Contracts should include pricing formulas and index linkages, while investing in data infrastructure is crucial for success, Kulkarni notes.

Agentic AI is transforming procurement by introducing autonomous agents that execute tasks, collaborate and achieve business goals, marking a shift from traditional AI assistants, Bertrand Maltaverne writes. This evolution requires significant changes in technology infrastructure, including open-source orchestration frameworks and agent-aware enterprise applications.

AI is generating significant buzz in marketing, with companies like McKinsey reporting revenue increases of up to 15% from AI deployment. However, the true potential of AI is realized when powered by first-party data, Esme Robinson of Epsilon writes. This combination enables a deeper understanding of consumer behavior, allowing for more relevant and effective marketing.

Global M&A value has surged to $2.6 trillion in the first seven months of 2025, marking a 28% increase year-over-year and the highest level since the 2021 pandemic-era peak. Despite a 16% drop in the number of transactions, larger deal sizes, especially in the US, have driven the overall value higher. The US accounted for more than half of all global deal activity, with sectors such as technology and healthcare fueling the trend.

Fragmentation in coaching programs -- characterized by manual scheduling, inconsistent communication, and disconnected data -- creates friction for coaches, participants and sponsors. Overcoming fragmentation involves aligning processes and stakeholders, ultimately transforming isolated efforts into an integrated, effective coaching system.

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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