J UN E 2 0 2 5 VOLUME 3 • I SSUE 3 3 Make Your Next Phone System a Hosted PBX 4 Spotlight: Kroeplin Air Service 6 Data Breaches Are Costly for Small Businesses 7 Best Practices for Preventing Cyberattacks I NS I DE CONT ENT S BUSINESS solutions Kroeplin Air Service Is Precise and Efficient
2 J U N E 2 0 2 5 All businesses must maximize efficiency and minimize risk. While the details will vary depending on your business size and type, these are nearly universal challenges in the today’s world. You’ll find examples of this theme throughout our June 2025 issue of Business Solutions. It begins on page 3 with Make Your Next Phone System a Hosted PBX. Venture Communications offers Hosted PBX Service—a cloud-based system that enables you to efficiently manage calls, adjust to changing needs, and enhance business continuity planning. On pages 4 and 5, we share a Business Spotlight on Kroeplin Air Service, which has three locations in South Dakota. Its aerial application services enable farmers to effectively minimize the risk of pests and weeds as well as fertilize their crops for better growth. Kroeplin Air Service is able to take advantage of innovations in agricultural technology due in part to its use of our Rushnet High Speed Internet. Data Breaches Are Costly for Small Businesses, as you’ll learn on page 6. What can you do to minimize this and other online risks? Check out Best Practices for Preventing Cyberattacks on page 7. Venture Communications can set you up with solutions to help your business maximize efficiency and minimize risk. Please contact us with your questions or concerns. Mary Knox Marketing Manager Venture Communications Venture Communications www.venturecomm.net Contact Us: P.O. Box 157 218 Commercial Avenue S.E. Highmore, SD 57345-0157 605-852-2224 Publication Information: Business Solutions is a publication of Venture Communications. 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 Venture Communications. All rights are reserved. Editorial and Circulation Contact: Mary Knox Marketing Manager maryk@venture.coop 605-852-2224 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 Mary Knox at maryk@venture.coop or call 605-852-2224. Postmaster Send Changes to: P.O. Box 157 218 Commercial Avenue S.E. Highmore, SD 57345-0157 Copyright © 2025 by Venture Communications and Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. BUSINESS solutions
BUSINESS solutions J U N E 2 0 2 5 3 What kind of a phone system does your business currently use? Perhaps you have a few phone lines that connect to a key system or private branch exchange (PBX). And perhaps this on-site equipment was installed years ago and is starting to become a challenge to maintain. If so, you may want to reevaluate your unified communications needs and consider making the switch to Hosted PBX. Make Your Next Phone System a HostedPBX What Is Hosted PBX? Hosted PBX (also known as Hosted Voice, Virtual Voice, PBX in the Cloud, and Remote PBX) is a service provided by a telecommunications provider and hosted in the cloud. With Hosted PBX, the service provider owns, hosts, manages, and updates the handsets and system equipment in their network. This means a Hosted PBX subscriber doesn’t have to purchase, set up, and maintain an onsite PBX. Hosted PBX makes all the features and capabilities of a best-in-class unified communications system available without the need for a big upfront purchase. Venture Communications offers Hosted PBX Service. It gives smaller businesses easy and affordable access to phone capabilities previously only available to larger businesses. These advanced features include simultaneous ring, auto attendant, and music-on-hold. Configure as Needed The flexible, scalable infrastructure of our Hosted PBX Service can easily grow as your business grows. Because it’s a cloud-based system, you can add new users without any capital charges or equipment upgrades. For example, your business can quickly add or remove seasonal workers to support changing needs. In addition, web portals enable end users and administrators to configure the service as needed—including call forward, transfer, music and announcements on hold, and auto attendant—right from their computers. Maintain Calls After an Outage Our Hosted PBX Service has superior disaster recovery attributes as compared to a premises-based system and can play an important role in business continuity planning. Since the PBX and other equipment resides in our secure facility with safeguards like backup power, events at the business location—such as a power outage, fire, or other interruption—would not prevent incoming calls. Users can quickly route their calls to an alternate location or mobile device, enabling business to proceed. A phone is a lifeline for business. Strengthen this lifeline with unified voice and data communications from Venture Communications. To discuss how Hosted PBX Service could benefit your business, call 605-852-2224. It offers the flexibility to accommodate staff fluctuations and aid in business continuity
4 J U N E 2 0 2 5 BUSINESS spotlight Kroeplin Air Service This aerial application business got off the ground 30+ years ago Doug expanded the business to include aerial and ground application as well as the sale of chemical, fertilizer, and seed, and he added locations in Miller and Blunt in the late 1990s. After years of success, Doug sold Kroeplin Ag Service in 2010. A New Business and New Chapter However, Doug soon realized he could not stay away from the aviation business, which led to him founding Kroeplin Air Service. It specializes in providing top-tier aerial application services, which utilize a fleet of Air Tractors—aircraft known for exceptional maneuverability and designed for precision and efficiency in agricultural application. Kroeplin Air Service offers both dry and liquid applications to meet the demands of crop protection including managing pests, fertilizing crops, and applying herbicides. Every operation is completed with the highest level of accuracy and care, evolving to keep up with ever-changing farming practices. As owner, Doug oversees all operations. He said, “With the advancement of emerging technologies, Kroeplin Air Service is transitioning from standardized, blanket programs to implementing individualized field plans tailored to specific needs. Additionally, we are exploring innovative solutions to enhance pilot safety, including the potential use of drones and automated aircraft to service remote or high-risk field environments. We look forward to expanding and renewing the business for generations to come.” Family Working Together The business is proudly owned and operated by the Kroeplin family. In addition to Doug, these family members all play a vital role in Kroeplin Air Service’s day-to-day success: The history of Kroeplin Air Service began with Kroeplin Ag Service in the early 1990s. When Doug Kroeplin started Kroeplin Ag Service in Highmore, South Dakota, the aerial application business had only a grass strip for a runway.
BUSINESS solutions J U N E 2 0 2 5 5 • Karen Kroeplin – Provides meals during the busy season and recently led the interior remodeling and redecorating of the airport. • Makayla Kroeplin – Business Manager who oversees administrative operations at the airport. • Halle Kroeplin – Instrumental in the implementation of the AgSync program, now utilized for inventory management, aircraft dispatching, and field mapping. Recognized as a dependable and versatile team member, consistently stepping in to support various operational needs. • Drew Kroeplin – Office Manager with responsibility for coordinating both office and aerial operations, including the creation of field maps, pilot dispatching, and providing comprehensive support across all aspects of daily operations. Drew noted, “Kroeplin Air Service employs 12 staff members across our three locations. In addition, we work with five contracted employees from Doug Kroeplin Farms who provide essential support in areas such as trucking, airport maintenance, and daily operational functions.” Venture Communications Connections To help maintain efficient communications, Kroeplin Air Service uses Rushnet High Speed Internet and a Hosted PBX System from Venture Communications. How would Drew describe the speed and reliability of the internet from Venture Communications? He replied, “Venture Communications delivers high-speed, reliable internet service across all of our operational locations. Whether a farmer is mapping fields on our computers, or a pilot is checking weather conditions before a flight, Venture ensures we have the connectivity needed to operate efficiently. Their dependable service allows us to provide the same level of excellence to our farmers and pilots—supporting our commitment to top-tier service at Kroeplin Air Service.” When asked about the Hosted PBX System, Makayla had this to say: “Our busiest seasons, spring and summer, bring the highest volume of phone calls, coinciding with our team working across multiple buildings and outdoor locations. Venture’s Hosted PBX System has been instrumental in maintaining seamless communication, enabling us to quickly reach the appropriate employee when needed. This efficiency is critical to delivering the responsive, high-quality customer service that is essential to our business.” Speaking of responsive, high-quality customer service, Makayla sees that same commitment from Venture Communications. She noted, “Venture Communications exemplifies small-town customer service. Every call is met with a personable, knowledgeable representative who is often able to troubleshoot issues remotely. When on-site assistance is needed, they respond promptly and follow up to ensure the issue has been fully resolved. Their commitment to reliable, hands-on support reflects the values we prioritize in our own service.” Venture Communications delivers high-speed, reliable internet service across all of our operational locations. Whether a farmer is mapping fields on our computers, or a pilot is checking weather conditions before a flight, Venture ensures we have the connectivity needed to operate efficiently.” — DREW KROEPLIN, OFFICE MANAGER, KROEPLIN AIR SERVICE The Kroeplin Family (L to R: Halle, Doug, Makayla, Karen, and Drew)
6 J U N E 2 0 2 5 How Do Data Breaches Occur? Data breaches—when cybercriminals access data and sensitive information —are on the rise against businesses of all sizes. To protect your business from these attacks, it’s helpful to first understand how they take place. Typical strategies include: Physical Actions – You may think cybercriminals are savvy hackers that only access data remotely. However, another common way they gain access is through physical actions. For example, they could steal paperwork, laptops, phones, or storage devices. Social Engineering – Phishing is when cyber criminals send malicious emails that look real to get access to sensitive data. They may send an email that looks like it came from your company’s IT department requesting a staff member’s password be changed so they can access their accounts. This stolen data can then be sold or used to commit fraud. Human Error – Not all data breaches are due to malicious activity. Sometimes an employee leaves sensitive information somewhere where it’s not protected, or accidently sends it to the wrong person (or people). There are two categories of costs to consider: Hard Costs One of the largest costs of a data breach comes from the credit and debit card companies. These companies have broad powers and rights in data breach situations, especially if the business was found to not be complying with Payment Card Industry (PCI) regulations, which govern the specific security measures businesses must adhere to when they accept debit and credit cards as payment. If there’s a breach of PCI, credit and debit card companies have the right to level fines on merchants. Those agreements also entitle them to charge back any fraudulent charges that take place on customer cards because of the data breach. In addition, businesses will have to pay the costs of alerting their customers of the data breach, paying for their credit monitoring services, investigating how the breach occurred, and taking steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Cyber insurance can mitigate the hard costs of a breach by covering these types of expenses. Soft Costs Many businesses in these situations also experience decreased productivity because employees are understandably more focused on “putting the fire out” than on their regular day-to-day job responsibilities. When productivity suffers, sales and profits go down. Other soft costs related to a data breach include the potentially devastating damage to the reputation of the business and the trust of its community. Customers, vendors, and other colleagues may start to question their relationship with the affected business, jeopardizing its future success. While data breaches at giant corporations are the ones that make the headlines, small businesses can also become victims of data breaches— and face substantial costs as a result. Small business owners who don’t make it a priority to protect their customers’ personal information could even find themselves out of operation. password Data Breaches Are Costly for Small Businesses
BUSINESS solutions J U N E 2 0 2 5 7 Who’s Minding Your Business? Joe McDonnell Central Office Technician After earning a degree from Mitchell Technical Institute, Joe McDonnell was hired by Sully Buttes Telephone Cooperative (now Venture Communications) in 1996. He’s been a valuable member of our team since. Joe said, “I worked as an installer for a year and half before becoming a Central Office Technician. We install and do maintenance and upgrades to the equipment that provides services to homes and businesses, as well as help provision and troubleshoot Venture Communications services.” What impresses Joe most about Venture Communications? He replied, “I’m impressed that a small telephone company based out of Highmore, South Dakota, has not only survived, but thrived. People who live in big cities usually think residents of smaller communities probably don’t even have internet access. Venture Communications and the other rural cooperatives in our state actually provide some of the best internet service you can get.” Joe and his wife Heather have four kids: Dylan, Peyton (now an installer at Venture Communications), Addison, and Tenley. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, hunting, and watching sports, but his favorite pastime is watching the kids participate in their activities. Every business, regardless of size or type, needs to take precautions against cyberattacks. The U.S. Small Business Administration recommends the following: 1. Train your employees. The leading cause of small business data breaches is work-related communications. Train your employees how to spot phishing emails, use good internet browsing practices, avoid suspicious downloads, and protect sensitive vendor and customer information. 2. Secure your networks. Safeguard your internet connection by encrypting information and using a firewall. Also set up your wireless access point or router so it doesn’t broadcast the network name. If you have remote employees, they should use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). 3. Install antivirus software on all of your computers and keep it updated. It’s best to configure your software to install updates automatically. 4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication. An important security measure, MultiFactor Authentication (MFA) verifies someone’s identity by requiring more than a username and password alone. This could be something the user knows (password, phrase, PIN), something the user has (physical token, phone), or something that physically identifies the user (fingerprint, facial recognition). Check with your vendors to see if they offer MFA for your accounts. 5. Monitor and manage Cloud Service Provider (CSP) accounts. Using a CSP to host information and collaboration services adds needed security, especially under a hybrid work model. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers for email and workplace productivity can help secure data. 6. Secure, protect, and back up sensitive data. Work with your banks or card processors to ensure you are using the most trusted tools and anti-fraud services for payment processing. Prevent access to business computers from unauthorized individuals, and make sure each employee has a separate user account that requires a strong password. Give administrative privileges only to trusted IT staff and key personnel, and perform access audits within your business on a regular basis. Finally, perform data backups to cloud storage on a weekly basis. Best Practices for Preventing Cyberattacks
Call 605-852-2224 to discuss how Hosted PBX Service could work for you. Cornerstone Group©2025 Hosted PBX Service is the next generation of phone technology and is delivered over your Venture Communications internet connection. It offers affordability, efficiency, security, and reliability to your business: • Seamless communication and call management between different business locations • Minimal upfront costs and no expensive hardware to maintain • Ability to keep your current phone number(s) when you switch to Hosted PBX Service • Convenient features including Voicemail to Email/Text • Built-in disaster recovery since your data is fully backed up off premise • Flexible infrastructure that grows as your business grows • Local support from Venture Communications technicians Save Time and Money With Our Hosted PBX Service
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