AI Applied Consortium and NAW Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance AI Adoption in Distribution Industry
Washington, D.C. – The AI Applied Consortium (AAIC) and the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) are proud to announce a strategic partnership designed to accelerate the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across the wholesale distribution sector. The AAIC leads collaborative efforts in applied AI innovation through cross-sector research, advisory leadership, and scalable implementation strategies.
“Distributors are uniquely positioned to unlock massive value from applied AI, from forecasting and fulfillment to customer engagement,” said Bart Tessel, Chief Innovation Officer at NAW. “This partnership gives our industry a seat at the table in shaping how AI is designed and delivered for real operational impact.”
As part of the initiative, NAW will play a key leadership role within the Wholesale Distribution Advisory Council, a flagship program under AAIC’s 2025 agenda. The Council will spearhead innovation in areas such as supply chain optimization, inventory intelligence, workforce productivity, and customer engagement—all aligned with AAIC’s mission to ensure AI technologies are designed for tangible outcomes.
“Wholesale distribution plays a vital role in the global economy, and it’s a sector ripe for AI transformation,” said Konrad Konarski, Chairperson of the AI Applied Consortium. “Partnering with NAW allows us to bring the power of applied AI to the front lines of supply chains, empowering distributors with tools that improve efficiency, decision-making, and customer outcomes.”
Composed of leading executives from across the distribution ecosystem, the Council will help shape real-world AI use cases, define best practices, and enable deployment of scalable AI solutions tailored to the industry. This work supports AAIC’s broader commitment to applied AI transformation across key verticals such as manufacturing, energy and utilities, financial services, public sector, retail, and social good.
“Over the years I’ve seen distributors move from AI skepticism to experimentation to now implementing real AI solutions that drive meaningful results,” said Nick Pericle, Fellow at the NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence. “The pressures of distribution are real, but so is the opportunity. This partnership ensures distributors can understand and leverage purpose-built AI technologies designed for the real rhythm of distribution.”
Teesee Murray, Group President at Turtle and a newly confirmed Trustee of the AI Applied Consortium, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration:
“AI is revolutionizing how we operate, compete, and serve customers. With NAW and AAIC working together, we’re creating a framework for practical, scalable AI adoption that strengthens supply chains and prepares businesses for the future.”
This partnership will also support public engagement through programming, education, and events. AAIC leadership will be featured at the upcoming SHIFT Conference, hosted in partnership with NAW and MDM from May 13–15, where they will highlight actionable AI strategies tailored for distribution executives.
About the AI Applied Consortium
The AI Applied Consortium (AAIC) is a cross-sector alliance advancing responsible, real-world adoption of artificial intelligence. AAIC delivers practical AI solutions through strategic research, industry advisory councils, and academic collaboration across key sectors including manufacturing, distribution, energy, financial services, and the public sector. Its Board of Trustees includes leaders from Fortune 500 and globally recognized organizations such as Visa, BP, BASF, Netflix, and TechnipFMC, alongside academic partners from Penn State, University of Kentucky, DePaul University, and University of Ottawa. Learn more at www.aaiconsortium.org.
About ational Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW)
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is one of America’s leading trade associations, representing the $8.2 trillion wholesale distribution industry. Founded in 1946, NAW comprises national, regional, and state employers of all sizes, industry trade associations, partners, and stakeholders spanning all distribution sectors. Our industry employs more than 6 million workers throughout the United States, accounting for 1/3 of the U.S. GDP.