Small business optimism improved in August, with the National Federation of Independent Business' Small Business Optimism Index rising to 100.8 from 100.3. Expectations for higher sales drove the increase. However, concerns about the quality of available workers persist, with 32% of owners reporting job openings they could not fill.

Although AI can have a measurable impact on distributors, the challenge lies in knowing where to focus investments, write technologists Conor Leen and Matt Rojas. They suggest using the scientific method to identify high-impact areas, hypothesize potential returns, test with clear metrics, analyze results and scale successful initiatives. Their research with distributors found that demand forecasting and purchasing offer the highest ROI and strategic leverage, improving metrics such as inventory turns and GMROI by 20% to 30%.

The Hillman Group has leased a site to build a multipurpose facility in Forest Park, Ohio, to consolidate operations from various sites in the Cincinnati area. The facility will span 715,736 square feet with an option to expand by 162,000 square feet. Construction is set to begin in May 2026, with completion expected by mid-2027.

US consumers and businesses are expressing frustration and confusion as the de minimis duty exemption ends, with some customers seeing surprise charges from international shippers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS. The change, which the White House said is aimed at curbing illicit drug imports, has led to a significant drop in postal traffic to the US and unexpected costs for businesses and individuals.

Postal traffic into the US fell by over 80% after new customs rules were implemented, according to the Universal Postal Union. The drop occurred immediately following the end of the de minimis exemption for parcels valued at $800 or less, causing significant disruptions as postal operators and carriers struggled to adapt to the new duty collection requirements.

Agentic AI is fundamentally reshaping procurement by automating routine processes and enabling teams to shift from transactional work to more strategic, insight-driven roles, writes Victor Kushch, the CTO and co-founder at Fairmarkit. Rather than focusing solely on efficiency gains, the technology is fostering a transformation in how procurement operates, expanding its influence within organizations and enabling new business models and resilient supply chains. By collaborating with teams to quickly solve challenges and uncover opportunities, agentic AI is redefining procurement's future and positioning it as a true driver of competitive advantage.

B2B brands must shift from traditional search engine optimization to discovery optimization as AI changes search and discovery, Will Findlater of Nelson Bostock writes. AI-driven search offers faster, smarter and more dynamic results, leading to higher-quality traffic and conversion rates, explains Findlater, who suggests brands focus on understanding audience behavior and building authority through original content and public relations.

Email marketing continues to be a valuable tool for marketers, offering benefits such as unmatched ROI, hyperpersonalization and automation, according to an infographic from Media Update. The infographic notes that email marketing can also fuel retention and complement other marketing efforts.

The Census Bureau's annual report shows that price increases eroded wage gains for most Americans last year, with median household income pegged at $83,730 after adjusting for inflation. High-income households saw a 4.2% increase, while middle- and low-income households saw no statistically significant change.

Leadership development workshops can boost employee engagement -- not just for future managers -- and combat the lack of career progression, which is a major reason workers leave jobs. By offering sessions that build both formal and informal leadership skills, companies can empower their workers to take initiative and see a path for advancement within the organization.

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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