US producer prices increased 0.9% in July and 3.3% year over year, according to the Labor Department. The month-to-month gain in the producer price index was the largest in over three years, while the annual rise was the highest since February. Core PPI, which excludes volatile fuel and food prices, also increased by 0.9% last month. Price hikes were driven by a 1.1% rise in services and a 3.8% increase in machinery and equipment. The jump in prices signals that inflationary pressures are building as companies pass higher costs, partly related to tariffs, along the supply chain.

Performance Food Group's board has declined a request from US Foods Holding for information sharing for a potential merger, citing risks related to regulation, synergies and integration. Performance Food CEO George Holm noted that while the company is open to mergers and acquisitions, there have not been any significant deals to date, though the market remains favorable.

ParkOhio subsidiary Supply Technologies, a supplier of fastener and small component supply chain management services, is being awarded as one of Life'sWork of Western Pa.'s 2025 Business Partners of the Year at the nonprofit's annual gala in October. Supply Technologies was one of four companies that received the designation for outstanding performance and significant contributions to the nonprofit's success. Read more from Life'sWork.

The unpredictability of US tariffs has created uncertainty for supply chain planning. This climate of uncertainty hinders both small and large companies from planning or executing long-term supply chain moves. “You don’t want to commit too much to one strategy when some administrative action or decision gets announced that changes it all," Kuru CEO Bret Rasmussen said.

Only 31% of B2B organizations have deployed both core and advanced AI tools compared to 41% of B2C firms, according to a study by Lucidworks. The research emphasizes that AI initiatives should be strategically focused on value creation rather than short-term cost savings and highlights the strong correlation between AI best practices and improved business performance.

Original content is essential for building trust with audiences and distinguishing brands in a saturated market, writes Ann Gynn who offers five signals to demonstrate content originality: conducting real-life interviews, using first-person pronouns, publishing bylines and bios, using split screens in video and audio content and providing behind-the-scenes looks.

Managers and coaches in professional sports have shorter tenures than your average CEO, but according to McKinsey research, many of them have found the formula for building high-performing teams by establishing a culture of high standards, choosing members with diverse skills, codifying how work gets done and working to boost team confidence and abilities. "The great teams that I have been on, it's all about trust and accountability, with everyone working toward a common goal," former Notre Dame volleyball player Ella Sandt told McKinsey researchers.

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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