US economic growth for the second quarter has been revised to an annualized 3.3% from 3% on stronger business investment and a significant boost from trade, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Business investment increased 5.7%, led by transportation equipment and intellectual property. Consumer spending rose 1.6%, and corporate profits increased 1.7%.

Supply chain financing has grown about 10% over the past quarter, with auto parts suppliers alone seeing an increase of more than 20%, according to Wells Fargo. The figures highlight the need for liquidity to maintain inventory amid shifting market demands including trade volatility and growing investments in AI. Overall, companies across sectors are using increased financing to manage inventory costs, cash flow and balance sheet stability.

US consumer confidence declined slightly in August, with the Conference Board's index falling to 97.4 from 98.7 in July. The drop was driven by concerns about the labor market, as the percentage of respondents who said jobs are "hard to get" rose to 20% from 18.9%.

Personal protective equipment maker Ansell plans to keep its production in Asia after US distributors expressed unwillingness to pay a premium for domestically made products, says CEO Neil Salmon. The company would consider investing in US manufacturing only if the government mandates use of domestic products, Salmon says.

Fleet operators face ongoing challenges from fuel price volatility, influenced by factors such as seasonality and international trade. Tim Mundahl of Merchants Fleet suggests strategies to manage these fluctuations, including leveraging telematics, prioritizing preventive maintenance, promoting fuel-efficient driving habits, keeping vehicles current and using fuel management tools.

B2B marketers recognize the importance of integrating brand and demand, but only 26% balance investments in both, according to the ANA/Stein Brand-to-Demand Maturity Study. The study also found that companies that successfully integrate brand and demand generate 208% more marketing-sourced revenue, highlighting the need for better measurement and C-suite support. "This is where B2B marketing must level up: stop talking about 'brand' in terms of emotion or storytelling and start talking about it in terms of contribution margin, future cash flow, and long-term growth efficiency," writes Sonia David, vice president of the B2B Marketing Practice at the Association of National Advertisers.

A federal court has granted the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Environmental Commission an extension to respond to a lawsuit from the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors that challenges the constitutionality of the state's extended producer responsibility law for packaging. The lawsuit could disrupt compliance timelines and set a precedent for similar legal challenges in other states with EPR laws.

US corporate profits rebounded in the second quarter, rising by $65.5 billion after a decline of $90.6 billion in the previous quarter, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. However, tariffs have increased business costs, potentially limiting further profit gains and economic growth. Major companies have reported significant financial impacts from shifting trade policies.

Small, seemingly insignificant interactions can significantly impact workplace culture, writes leadership expert Kelly Winegarden Hall, who recounts a personal experience of transforming a negative micromoment during a presentation into a positive outcome through awareness, connection and intentional actions. Hall offers five lessons from the experience, including being aware of when the energy shifts in an interaction, setting daily intentions for positive interactions and tuning in to how your behavior affects others.

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.

Interested in membership with NAW? Reach out and let us know how we can help you.

In observance of Labor Day in the US, SmartBrief will not publish on Monday Sept. 1.