The US economy experienced job losses in October, particularly in the government and retail sectors, amid cost-cutting measures and increased use of AI, according to private reports. Revelio Labs reports a loss of 9,100 jobs, including a decline of 22,200 government positions. Challenger, Gray & Christmas reports a 183% increase in planned layoffs, with technology companies leading the way, while the Chicago Federal Reserve estimates that the unemployment rate rose to 4.36%.

Do it Best and True Value have opened a regional technology center in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a modern facility designed to enhance digital transformation and serve as a flexible workspace for onboarding, collaboration and immersion in company culture. By enhancing IT capabilities and accelerating major initiatives, the companies aim to provide store owners with advanced tools and operational strength, and the center is a step toward innovation and long-term growth.

Henry Schein One is integrating Amazon Web Services' generative AI tools, such as Amazon Bedrock and Transcribe Medical, into dental practice software, including Dentrix, Dentally, and Dentrix Ascend, to create an AI-first ecosystem. The collaboration will embed AI into software to automate documentation, improve patient communication and enhance clinical workflows, with initial deployment in the US, the UK and the EU.

City Electric Supply has launched CES One-Line Service nationwide, which enables contractors to upload single-line diagrams and receive fully assembled panelboards or switchboards in just a few days, compared to months, by linking CES branches, regional fulfillment centers, and Siemens-certified assembly teams. The digital workflow manages everything from configuration to production, eliminating manual steps, accelerating lead times and ensuring high build accuracy to give contractors a faster, more reliable way to complete projects on a tight schedule.

Supply chain resilience is being redefined by AI and digital twins, moving from reactive measures to predictive analytics and self-correcting networks. Siemens and Toyota are already using these technologies to preempt disruptions, reducing downtime and cost volatility. This shift not only enhances resilience but also aligns with sustainability goals, as seen with Schneider Electric's reduction in carbon intensity.

Proofpoint reports that hackers are increasingly targeting logistics companies to intercept and steal cargo shipments, especially those from high-value brands such as Apple. The hackers use remote monitoring and management tools to gain access, bid on shipments and redirect them for theft. This method has been active since at least June, with tools such as ScreenConnect and PDQ Connect being commonly used.

Trust remains the ultimate currency in B2B commerce, with creativity and storytelling essential for building and maintaining trust, according to a panel at B2B World Fest, which included executives from Edelman, Microsoft and Oliver Wyman. "Multi-million business deals don't happen without the confidence, the relationships and the reputation of businesses," says Andrew Mildren, managing director of Edelman Business Marketing EMEA.

Herb Brooks, who coached the men's hockey team at the 1980 Olympic Games, built a winning team by focusing on unity and a strong system rather than star players, writes Paul Thornton, a management and leadership expert. "Brooks demonstrated that a systems approach with the right people could transform underdogs into champions," Thornton writes.

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