US consumer sentiment improved in early January, with the University of Michigan gauge rising to 54 from 52.9 in December, a four-month high that exceeds economists' expectations and suggests cautious optimism. However, inflation and a weakening labor market remain concerns for households, and the survey indicates that inflation expectations for the year remain unchanged at 4.2%, while expectations for inflation over the next five years have increased to 3.4% from 3.2%.

SupplyOne has acquired Wertheimer Box, a Chicago-based distributor of custom corrugated packaging, in a deal that expands SupplyOne's footprint in the Chicago market and enhances its ability to deliver high-quality packaging across North America. Wertheimer Box President Doug Wertheimer says the acquisition will enable the company to leverage national resources while maintaining its high level of customer service.

US housing starts fell in October to their lowest level since May 2020, with a seasonally adjusted rate of 1.246 million, down 4.6% from September and 7.8% year-over-year, according to the US Census Bureau. However, single-family housing starts increased by 5.4%. Building permits also declined slightly, while housing completions rose by 1.1% from September but were down 15.3% year-over-year.

Food fraud cases are increasing globally, with a 10% rise reported in 2024 and a similar trend expected for 2025, driven by economic pressures and supply chain disruptions. High-risk categories include honey, edible oils, dairy, grains and spices. Emma Hanby of NSF EMEA and food fraud prevention expert Karen Constable recommend stronger supplier checks, targeted testing and rapid incident response to mitigate risks.

Initially used as conversational copilots, large language models now play crucial roles in predictive maintenance, supply chain management, quality control and field servicing. In predictive maintenance, LLMs analyze real-time sensor data to predict equipment failures, reducing downtime and costs. In supply chain management, LLMs optimize inventory and forecast demand, as demonstrated by Unilever and Maersk. LLMs also improve quality control by detecting anomalies in production data and streamline knowledge management by converting technical documentation into interactive systems.

Moni Oloyede provides a practical guide for B2B marketers to build an effective social media presence, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals, selecting the right platform and showing personality. Oloyede advises using employees authentically, creating shareable content, and engaging actively with the audience, noting that social media should not be "a dumping ground for webinars and white papers" but a platform for meaningful engagement.

The House has advanced a three-bill spending package as part of ongoing efforts to prevent a government shutdown. The package was described by Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla., as the result of bipartisan, bicameral agreement. Lawmakers now turn their attention to the remaining six funding bills, including major measures for defense and key domestic programs, which represent a significant portion of federal discretionary spending.

US job growth slowed in December according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by 50,000, compared with a revised 56,000 in November, while the unemployment rate decreased to 4.4%. The slowdown is attributed in part to import tariffs and rising investment in AI that may be offsetting hiring.

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors has launched the Distributors Deliver Podcast, exploring the technologies and trends that are moving the industry forward. The first episode focuses on politics and policy, with NAW President and CEO Eric Hoplin discussing the issues impacting distributors with NAW Chief of Government Relations Brian Wild.

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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