The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures index, rose 0.3% in August from July, pushing the annual rate to 2.7% from 2.6%. The core measure, excluding food and energy, remained at 2.9%. The data highlight policymakers' challenges as they balance managing inflation with supporting a weakening labor market.

US wholesale inventories fell 0.2% in August to $905.2 billion after a slight rise in July, the Census Bureau reports. Retail inventories remained steady at $809.4 billion, up 1% year-over-year. The international trade deficit narrowed to $85.5 billion, with exports at $176.1 billion and imports at $261.6 billion.

Winsupply has opened McDonough Winair in Locust Grove, Ga., a significant expansion into the Atlanta market. The 10,000-square-foot facility is part of Winsupply's broader strategy to grow its network of local companies, with a goal of opening 20 new locations across the US this year. Atlanta is seen as a key growth area in the Southeast, and the location will provide HVAC and plumbing supplies.

Warehouses face safety challenges amid a surge in inexperienced workers and high turnover, leading to higher injury rates than other industries. OSHA's National Emphasis Program focuses on hazards related to industrial vehicles and material handling. Warehouses can prepare for inspections by focusing on lift truck safety and leveraging technology to enhance safety measures.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has expanded into a hybrid war, posing significant risks to global supply chains. Manufacturers are responding by diversifying suppliers, building up stockpiles of critical components and investing in real-time shipment tracking and AI. However, the increasing digitization of industrial technology and underinvestment in digital infrastructure have made manufacturing and transport networks vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Cargo theft has become a significant challenge for modern supply chains, with incidents rising by 26% year-over-year, totaling nearly 3,800 cases in 2024, writes Puga Sankara, the founder and CEO of LoadProof, who notes that traditional security measures such as physical seals and manual logs are insufficient against sophisticated thieves who exploit digital systems and target last-mile delivery. Sankara highlights the effectiveness of mobile-based photo and video documentation in bridging visibility gaps, providing real-time evidence of shipment conditions and enhancing overall security.

B2B marketers should focus on five user-experience trends, writes Steve Ohanians of Clear Digital. These trends are voice-forward interfaces for hands-free navigation, AI-powered layout engines for dynamic content, sustainable UX for environmental impact, micro-AI agents for specialized tasks and intentional friction to enhance engagement. Ohanians emphasizes the importance of integrating these trends gradually to improve brand perception and user interaction.

Frontline workers are often overlooked in workplace design despite being the majority of the global workforce, writes Meagan Elwell of JLL, which has identified three key strategies for boosting recruitment, engagement and retention among frontline workers. Straightforward career pathways are one essential element, along with schedule flexibility and support of employee well-being, Elwell writes.

As many companies enter their fiscal fourth quarter, you may be feeling "The Great Squeeze," with pressures for you and your team to be productive while working within constraints around resources and creativity, say leadership experts Shauna Griffiths and Jeanie Coomber. They recommend leaders pause to reflect before making decisions, ask questions to make sure you're going in the right direction and take time to recharge for both yourself and your team.

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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