Well, I wish all business owners were smart enough to realize that racks are a must. If they don't ride, they might not think of it when doing the design, even if they *want* cyclists to use their services. And it's very expensive to add racks in a good design and location after you've put in your building. Much better that the city requires it so that people treat it like sewer lines, water and electricity. Then the rack is visible, solidly attached, and often not a wheelbender. (most wheelbenders are in places where they'd need to repave to do a good anchored in concrete rack)

Madison is a nice place to ride because they've made a concerted effort to be bike friendly in city planning starting from the 1960s. Writing to individual businesses is good, but having local government on your side helps a lot too. I am making a point to attend city planning sessions, so that businesses and the city planners know that cyclists care. Also means I am learning what's going on, and can speak up if I see problems.