2 DECEMBER 2025 PANORA OFFICE Main Office: 641.755.2424 Technical Support: 641.755.TECH (8324) Request a Service Call: 641.755.2424 Request a Locate: 800.292.8989 Mailing: 114 East Main, PO Box 189 Panora, IA 50216 GUTHRIE CENTER OFFICE Main Office: 641.332.2000 Technical Support: 641.332.2225 Request a Service Call: 641.332.2000 Request a Locate: 800.292.8989 Mailing: 403 State Street Guthrie Center, IA 50115 Solutions for Business is a publication of Panora Fiber, located at 114 East Main, PO Box 189, Panora, IA 50216 and 403 State Street, Guthrie Center, IA 50115. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, electronic, photocopying, recording, mechanical, or otherwise without the prior written permission of Panora Fiber. All rights are reserved. Editorial and Circulation – Contact Jaime Waddle, 114 East Main St., P.O. Box 189, Panora, IA 50216, 641.755.2424 Trademarks – All brand names and product names used in this publication are trade names, service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Additional Issues – Extra issues are available to business customers on a limited basis while supplies last. Contact Jaime Waddle, 114 East Main St., P.O. Box 189, Panora, IA 50216, 641.755.2424 Copyright © 2025 by Panora Fiber and Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. POSTMASTER Send changes to: Jaime Waddle, 114 East Main St., P.O. Box 189, Panora, IA 50216 DEC 25 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER FOR BUSINESS Prepare for the new year by exploring new-to-you resources. As we wrap up 2025, it’s an excellent opportunity to consider making a few changes at your business in 2026, particularly in the area of technology. This topic is the focus of our December 2025 Solutions for Business issue. It begins on page 3 with 8 Ways to Use QR Codes. If QR codes aren’t yet part of your customer communications, or you’d like to use them in more ways, check out this article. On pages 4 and 5, there’s a Business Spotlight on B&B Marketplace in Panora. While this shop is relatively new—it opened in 2024—owner Kandi Meinecke is no stranger to retail, having operated Britches ‘N’ Bows Country Store for 26 years. Panora Fiber is pleased to have B&B Marketplace as an internet customer and as a neighbor on East Main Street. You may find new technology strategies for your business to implement in page 6’s Understanding the Human Element of Data Breaches and page 7’s Get Your Team Excited About ChatGPT. Sometimes even simple new routines can save considerable hassles or time. On behalf of the entire Panora Fiber team, I wish you a joyous holiday season and thank you for choosing us as your provider. Please let us know how we can be of help in the new year. Sincerely, Andrew M. Randol General Manager Panora Fiber
DECEMBER 2025 3 SOLUTIONS Before 2020, QR code usage was on the decline in the U.S. The initial novelty had worn off with customers, and many marketers all but abandoned the technology. Then the pandemic arrived, and businesses needed creative solutions to cater to a newly touch-free society. QR codes fit the bill, and now they’re back in a big way with no signs of waning. 8 Ways to Use QR Codes If you’d like to get started with QR codes—or expand your use of them—check out these ideas: 1. Offer incentives and coupons via QR codes. Link a QR code directly to an online or special offer and then track engagement to determine the offer’s effectiveness. 2. Use QR codes to encourage reviews. A QR code that links directly to a review site like Google or Yelp makes it quicker and easier for customers to leave a review. If you own a store or restaurant, consider putting QR codes on sales receipts. 3. Enhance the customer experience with QR codes. For example, museums and attractions often place QR codes throughout their venues that link to audio and video files, maps, and more. 4. Have customers scan a QR code to access Wi-Fi. This can eliminate the need for them to enter a password. 5. Place QR codes on giveaways like T-shirts. It’s an impactful way to help spread the word about your business. 6. Simplify app downloads with QR codes. Once a customer scans the QR code, it directs them to the download page of the app to start the download. 7. Link QR codes to videos and photo galleries. Your business can direct customers to how-to videos about using your products or show video tours or photos of properties for sale. 8. Take QR codes outside. Put a poster with a QR code on the front door or exterior wall of your business, so even after hours, passersby can check out your website to learn about your products and services. A word of warning: Scammers use stickers to place their own QR codes on top of legitimate ones to send you to malicious websites or download malware to your phone. This is especially common in public places like airports. Look carefully before you scan a QR code! They’re a cost-effective way to connect, inform, and engage
4 DECEMBER 2025 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT A Unique, One-Stop Shop Meinecke and her two partners opened B&B Marketplace in March 2024 at 106 East Main Street in Panora. The building had previously been home to Quinnebago Outdoors and Ben’s Five and Dime. (It’s also just a few doors down from Panora Fiber, making it a handy spot for our team to stop by and enjoy.) “The community has been very supportive since B&B Marketplace opened, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Meinecke. B&B Marketplace is a unique, one-stop shop. It combines the feel of a small town shopping experience with a surprisingly big variety of products to explore. Highlights include: • Trendy women’s and children’s clothing • Affordable fashion accessories • Unique gift items • Locally crafted artisan goods • Carefully curated home decor displays • Fresh floral counter for made-to-order arrangements and cash-and-carry bouquets • Seasonal decorating items Quality comes first with every itemMeinecke selects for B&B Marketplace. She looks for items crafted with care and precision that feature superior materials and intricate designs. This makes the store a favorite of customers wanting to treat themselves to something stylish or find the perfect gift for others. Sip, Shop, and Be Happy What can make the shopping experience at B&B Marketplace even better? When you “sip and shop” thanks to the cozy In 1998, Kandi Meinecke opened Britches ‘N’ Bows Country Store at her farm home on Willow Avenue northeast of Panora, Iowa, initially offering only handmade crafts and home decor. Over the next 26 years, that store continued to evolve—until a new chapter began with a new name and new location. This Panora shop offers customers delightful and delicious possibilities B&B Marketplace
DECEMBER 2025 5 SOLUTIONS How You Can Help Other Small Businesses Buy from small businesses whenever possible. By skipping the big-box stores and working with other local business owners instead, you’ll make beneficial connections that may pay off in other ways down the road. Refer customers to other small businesses. Whenever a customer asks you for a product or service that your business doesn’t provide, don’t just suggest they “Google it.” That search will often lead to a mega-company to fill their need. Instead, recommend small businesses in the community that offer the product or service and will do a quality job. Promote small businesses using social media. This can be as simple as sharing the Facebook and Instagramposts of other local small businesses—especially new ones—to help them spread the word about their offerings or gain attendees for special events. They’ll also appreciate it if you leave positive comments based on your experience working with that business. Panora Fiber remains committed to supporting our local community and helping small businesses thrive. To find out more, visit www.panorafiber.com. Coffee/Espresso bar located in the space. Besides hot drinks, this bar offers delicious home baked goods, popular “pickle wraps,” and more. Providing excellent customer service is a top priority for Meinecke and her four employees. Judging by the comments on B&B Marketplace’s Facebook page, they’re succeeding in this effort. For example, one customer said, “Kandi is always so welcoming, and the whole staff is happy to help with anything. They have something for everyone here—from home gifts and clothing to baby gifts. And her floral arrangements are always top notch!” Wedding Connections and Internet Connections In addition to this in-store experience, B&B Marketplace also offers rental décor as well as wedding reception design services for other venues. “We provide rentals including candlesticks, lanterns, and flower pieces as well create customized fresh flower arrangements. We decided to focus our design services on wedding receptions since our time is limited, which enables us to stick with what we know best,” said Meinecke. She added, “B&B Marketplace does make our large space available for people to host bridal and baby showers and even graduation parties.” To help keep this business operating efficiently, Meinecke uses high-speed fiber internet from Panora Fiber. She noted, “Our registers and computers must be connected, and we can count on the reliability of Panora Fiber’s service.” Busy Holiday Season What does Meinecke expect from the 2025 holiday season at B&B Marketplace? She replied, “The pace of the holiday season can be challenging at the store, since we expect to have the highest volume of sales in the last quarter. However, I know I’ll be able to rely on our dedicated employees—or should I say elves?—to make it a festive atmosphere.” The community has been very supportive since B&B Marketplace opened, and we couldn’t be happier.” — KANDI MEINECKE, OWNER, B&B MARKETPLACE
6 DECEMBER 2025 When it comes to data breaches, most people imagine sophisticated hackers using advanced tools to break into secure systems. But in reality, one of the most common causes of data breaches is far more relatable. It’s human error. For small business owners, understanding the human element in cybersecurity is essential. According to 2025 industry reports, between 60% and 75% of data breaches involved a human factor, including errors, misuse, and social engineering. That means most breaches don't start with a line of code—they start with a click. What does this look like in real life? Take phishing, for example. A small accounting firm recently fell victimwhen a staff member clicked on a convincing email that appeared to be from a client. That single click allowed attackers access to sensitive tax records. In another case, a retail shop lost thousands after an employee reused a weak password across multiple platforms—one of which was compromised. These incidents highlight a harsh reality: Even the best cybersecurity software can't fully protect a business from its own people if those people aren't trained and aware. So, what can you do? • Train your team. Make cybersecurity training part of your onboarding process and conduct refreshers regularly. Teach staff how to spot phishing attempts and the importance of strong, unique passwords. • Limit access. Not every employee needs access to every system. Apply the principle of least privilege. • Use multi-factor authentication (MFA). This simple step adds a second layer of protection and can prevent unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised. • Create a response plan. Know what to do if a breach occurs. Quick, decisive action can limit the damage. Data breaches aren’t just a “big business” problem. In fact, small businesses are increasingly targeted because attackers knowmany of them are underprepared. The human element is both the greatest vulnerability and the greatest defense. By investing in your people and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, you can significantly reduce your risk. Panora Fiber can help your business with cybersecurity and provide other IT services including software updates, MFA installation, password manager and anti-virus/phishing tools, and more. To schedule a free tech assessment, call us at 641.755.2424 in Panora or 641.332.2000 in Guthrie Center. Understanding the Human Element of Data Breaches A mistake made by an employee could have serious consequences
DECEMBER 2025 7 SOLUTIONS Get Your Team Excited About ChatGPT As AI tools like ChatGPT become more integrated into daily operations, many business owners face a common challenge— employees who feel threatened by, rather than excited about, the technology. If you’re dealing with this situation, check out these best practices: Reframe the Narrative. Start by clearly communicating that ChatGPT isn’t here to take jobs. It’s here to eliminate repetitive tasks and free up time for more creative, strategic work. Help your team see it as a digital assistant that boosts productivity rather than a competitor. Lead by Example. Use ChatGPT yourself for tasks like drafting emails, brainstorming ideas, or summarizing documents. When employees see leadership embracing the tool, they’re more likely to follow suit. Offer Hands-On Training. Host short, interactive sessions where teammembers can explore real-life use cases in a low-pressure environment. Show them how ChatGPT can help with customer service scripts, internal communications, project planning, and even idea generation. Emphasize the Importance of Detailed Prompts. The most effective prompts usually provide ChatGPT with three components—a specific task, some relevant context, and a clearly defined output. Your team will probably get on board faster if they understand how to get the output that truly saves them time at work. Celebrate Small Wins. Recognize and share success stories where employees have used ChatGPT to save time or improve outcomes. Highlighting these wins helps normalize the tool and fosters a culture of innovation. Encourage Experimentation. Give employees the green light to play, experiment, and learn. Not every use will be perfect, but the more they explore, the more confident they’ll become. Address Concerns Openly. Create space for honest conversations about fears and uncertainties. Whether it’s concerns about data privacy or job security, addressing them head-on builds trust. Meet Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and More While ChatGPT is the biggest name in AI chatbots, it’s by no means the only game in town. Plus, depending on what you’re trying to do, ChatGPT might not even be your best option. It’s a great general-purpose chatbot, but like most jacks-of-all-trades, it can lose out to more specific tools for certain jobs. Here are some ChatGPT alternatives to consider: • Claude (by Anthropic) is a safetyfocused AI assistant designed to be helpful, honest, and harmless. It’s good for professionals. • Google Gemini is a powerful AI model that integrates across products like Search, Docs, and Android. It’s designed for creativity, productivity, and reasoning. • Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant embedded in Office and Windows to help users write, summarize, code, and automate daily workflows efficiently. • Perplexity AI provides real-time, cited answers from the web. It’s focused on transparency, speed, and up-to-date accuracy. • Meta AI integrates into platforms like Facebook and Instagram, offering real-time assistance, image generation, and multimodal capabilities for casual and creative use. Have fun exploring your options!
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