Business Solutions for Fall 2021

Farms aren’t the only businesses that plant seeds and nurture growth. The difference is this: Farms plant actual seeds and provide the water, nutrients, and environment to help them grow into crops. Other businesses plant symbolic seeds—such as the early, initial ideas for new products—and provide the people, technology, and time to help them fully develop. This issue of Business Solutions explores the theme of nurturing growth from several angles. We begin on page 3 with a look at how Smart Technology is Growing on Farms . From wearables for cows to self-driving tractors, smart technology is increas- ingly being used to boost farm efficiency and productivity. On pages 4 and 5, you’ll find a Business Spotlight on Boonies Farm . Known as the place to go for hayrides to pick out pumpkins, this Worden business was purchased in 2018 by Cindy and Mark Feldman and has since grown in its scope of products and visitor activities. Although Boonies Farm is spread out over 72 rural acres, Madison Communications was able to install fiber to provide reliable internet and phone services. Sometimes growth comes in the form of taking small steps forward. For ideas your business may be able to implement, check out Cost-Cutting Strategies for Small Businesses on page 6. If your small town could use inspiration on how to grow despite challenges, don’t miss Reevaluating and Reinventing on page 7. Remember, the right communications technology can help your business grow. Contact us to learn more. Sincerely, The Madison Team 2 F A L L 2 0 2 1 Madison Communications www.gomadison.com Main Office: Madison Communications 21668 Double Arch Road Staunton, IL 62088 Monday – Saturday, 8:00 – 5:00 p.m. Payment Drop-Off Centers: 118 E State, Hamel, IL 594 Livingston Av, Livingston, IL 315 W Main, Staunton, IL 21668 Double Arch Rd, Staunton, IL Mailing Address: Madison Communications PO Box 29 Staunton, IL 62088 Customer Service: Phone: 800-422-4848 Email: infomtc@gomadison.com Fax: 618-635-7213 Publication Contact: Lexy Hagler, Marketing Coordinator President: Robert W. Schwartz Business Solutions is a publication of Madison Communications 21668 Double Arch Road Staunton, IL 62088 Editorial and Circulation Contact: Lexy Hagler PO Box 29 Staunton, IL 62088 Extra issues are available to business customer employees on a limited basis while supplies last. Contact: Lexy Hagler, PO Box 29, Staunton, IL 62088, 618-635-5000 All brand names and product names used in this publication are trade names, service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright© 2021 by Madison Communications and Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. BUSINESS solutions