Great Connections for Summer 2018

2 SUMMER 2018 “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.” It seems fitting to begin my letter with these words from Benjamin Franklin since they reflect the theme of this GREAT Connections issue.  We begin on page 3 with news of growth in services at Great Plains Communications. In Launch of Cloud Communications Offers Many Voice Benefits , you’ll learn about this cost-effective and flexible new option. Growth is also a part of the story in the Business Spotlight on QC Supply on pages 4 and 5. What began in a garage in 1982 grew into a business with 35 locations in 14 states, and Great Plains Communications is supporting this growth with fast and reliable Internet service via fiber. You’ll find a Playbook for Defensive Branding on page 6 and tips to Create a Customer Service Culture on page 7—content to help you make progress in these areas. The topic of growth is particularly meaningful to us at Great Plains Communications, since we’re in the early stages of being acquired by Grain Management, LLC, a leading private equity firm focused on investments in the communications sector. This is a posi- tive step forward and will allow us to expand our network and enhance our offerings. Whenever you need communications services to enable business growth, contact us. Sincerely, Todd Foje Chief Executive Officer SUM 18 GREAT Connections is a publication of: Great Plains Communications, Inc. 1600 Great Plains Centre PO Box 500 Blair, NE 68008 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 Great Plains Communications. All rights are reserved. Editorial and circulation contact: Laura Kocher Lkocher@gpcom.com 402-456-6429 All brand names and product names used in this publication are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Extra copies of this issue are available to our business customers on a limited basis while supplies last. Call 402-456-6429 to make a request. Copyright© 2018 by Great Plains Communications and Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. Postmaster send changes to: Great Plains Communications 1600 Great Plains Centre PO Box 500 Blair, NE 68008 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Connections G R E A T