US consumer confidence improved for the second consecutive month in July, with the Conference Board's index rising to 97.2 from 95.2 the previous month. However, concerns about the labor market and tariffs persist. The expectations index increased to 74.4, driven by optimism about future business conditions and income, while the present situation index fell to 131.5, reflecting concerns about job availability.

Modern Distribution Management was named the top blog or website for the distribution industry by FeedSpot, a curator of blogs, podcasts and influencers. MDM provides a wide range of content for wholesalers and distributors, including its informative MDM Podcast, top distributors lists, industry research and up-to-date coverage of the top companies in the industry. See some of the latest MDM content below. 

President Donald Trump has announced potential plans to implement a baseline tariff of 15% to 20% on imports from countries without separate trade agreements. This marks an increase from the 10% tariff announced in April and could affect smaller nations expecting lower rates. The announcement comes ahead of an Aug. 1 deadline for trade deals and tariff implementation.

Union Pacific is acquiring Norfolk Southern in a deal to establish the first coast-to-coast rail network in the US by combining Union Pacific's western routes with Norfolk Southern's eastern network for a 50,000-mile system spanning 43 states. The $85 billion deal, which is subject to regulatory review, would concentrate about 43% of US rail freight in one company, sparking some concern among shippers and regulators about reduced competition, but Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena says the entity would enhance delivery times and reduce costs.

AI has shifted from experimental to essential in B2B revenue enablement, with all business leaders surveyed in a recent Allego's report using generative AI for sales, marketing and customer support. AI is enhancing productivity, personalized content creation and customer engagement, leading to increased revenue and shorter sales cycles, and 91% of respondents plan to boost AI investment in the next year.

The grocery industry is undergoing a technological transformation, with AI and robotics playing a pivotal role in supply chain management. AI-driven demand forecasting and robotic automation in distribution centers are enhancing efficiency, reducing waste and improving customer experiences. Additionally, the emergence of hyperlocal production systems, such as microfactories and vertical farming, is creating more resilient and sustainable supply chains.

Retail startups have mixed feelings about a possible checkout system in ChatGPT from OpenAI that would let users complete transactions within the chatbot, essentially transforming AI chatbots into storefronts, not just search or recommendation engines. Some say the system could disenfranchise small businesses if it becomes pay-to-play, while others see it as a way to reduce friction in the shopping process.

Your company's culture is less influenced by formal statements and more by the behaviors you permit as a leader, writes Mike Peterson, the founder and managing partner of Apex Consulting Partners, who notes that even unintentional allowances -- such as ignoring disengagement or failing to address disruptions -- can set lasting precedents for what becomes acceptable in the workplace. "And suddenly, a high-performing culture becomes a passive one," Peterson writes.

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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