The Evolving Manufacturing Industry: Skills, Technology, & Workforce Growth

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton welcomes Bill Thorne, Senior Vice President of Communications, Research, and Marketing at the National Retail Federation (NRF) and host of the Retail Gets Real podcast. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of retail, from how customer insights drive innovation to the power of storytelling in shaping brand loyalty. This engaging conversation covers the impact of COVID-19 on retail operations, how agility and speed became key to survival, and why retailers must embrace change to stay competitive. Bill also shares insights from his time at Walmart, lessons from Savannah’s booming port economy, and why successful retailers prioritize community and connection.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced by Amanda Luton, Trisha Cordes, and Joshua Miranda.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Watch NOW on YouTube Connect with Bill Thorne Learn more about the National Retail Federation Check out Retail Gets Real Learn more about our hosts   Want more Supply Chain Now? We know you can’t get enough Supply Chain Now! Don’t miss a single episode, livestream, or webinar: Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now…

The Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12 noon ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience! In this week’s episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Karin Bursa delve into the critical issues and opportunities in global supply chain management. Together they discuss: The potential impact of a looming strike by the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) The importance of AI in supply chain optimization, with 99% of CEOs considering its implementation The declining focus on sustainability among CEOs, despite increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products Iconic trucking moments in media, celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa and produced by Amanda Luton and Katherine Hintz.     Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/7DmjFgXgNqU Most recent edition of WTS: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/thank-trucker-supply-chain-now-gae4e/ Top 10- Supply Chain Optimization Strategies: https://bit.ly/4d2BmHy CEOs: Our Supply Chains Have a resiliency problem: https://bit.ly/47xFUom Sustainability is…