Graybar Electric has announced the launch of "Storage, Transportation and Readiness" distribution centers in Atlanta, Dallas and Reno, Nev., to serve contractors working on large, complex construction projects. The centers, part of the distributor's major logistics expansion in key metropolitan areas, will span 500,000 square feet. Graybar aims to expand its overall facility footprint to more than 16 million square feet.

The Office of the US Trade Representative is set to start public consultations before renegotiating the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, aiming to complete a review by July. President Donald Trump has also signed an executive order to implement the US-Japan trade agreement, applying a 15% tariff on nearly all Japanese imports. The deal includes sector-specific provisions for automobiles, aerospace products and generic pharmaceuticals.

Demand for US distribution real estate remains strong despite a 10.9% drop in overall activity due to tariffs and economic uncertainties, according to a JLL study. While traditional retailer demand fell 16.7%, demand from third-party logistics providers and distribution users rose 12.8%. The Southeast, particularly Atlanta and Savannah, leads national demand, accounting for 24.1% of the total.

Shippers are taking a wait-and-see approach after a federal appeals court ruled many of the Trump administration's tariffs are illegal, with a stay in place until Oct. 14 and a Supreme Court appeal likely. The ruling raises questions about potential refunds of billions of dollars in trade duties.

Creating a "liquid workforce" that combines full-time employees with freelancers and gig workers can give your teams greater autonomy and flexibility, along with a chance to collaborate and build meaningful connections to work more efficiently, says Ryan Starks, head of growth at Rising Team, who notes leaders must be intentional when using this model. "Without intentional effort, the sense of connection and alignment on how to work together can erode, undermining team performance, ultimately impacting the organization's business outcomes," says Starks.

Paper checks remain prevalent in B2B transactions despite rising postage costs and delivery delays, with 40% of transactions still conducted this way. However, the increasing cost of postage and the risk of check fraud, which affects 63% of businesses, are making paper checks less viable. Companies are increasingly turning to digital payment systems to improve cash flow, supplier relationships and operational efficiency.

The New York Federal Reserve has found that the increasing adoption of AI has had minimal effect on employment, with businesses reporting few layoffs attributed to AI and that retraining is more prevalent than job loss. However, the New York Fed has warned that future AI integration could result in more significant layoffs and reduced hiring.

Cybersecurity-awareness training might not significantly help employees avoid phishing attacks, according to a study of nearly 20,000 employees at UC San Diego Health. The study found that the failure rate in simulated phishing attacks remained constant regardless of how recently employees had received training. The study also found that employees who engage with interactive Q&A are 19% less likely to fail at phishing simulations.

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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