EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Website Privacy Policy
Website: www.esvachamber.org
1. Introduction
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce ("ESVA Chamber," "Chamber," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our members, businesses, event participants, website visitors, and community partners.
We recognize the importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of those who interact with our organization. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, maintain, share, and safeguard information obtained through our website, www.esvachamber.org, and related online services.
By using our website, you acknowledge the data practices described in this policy.
2. Information We Collect
The ESVA Chamber may collect personal information when individuals voluntarily interact with our website, register for events, apply for membership, make payments, subscribe to communications, or contact our organization.
Information collected may include:
Name and business or organization name
Mailing and business addresses
Email addresses and telephone numbers
Job titles and professional contact information
Membership applications and account information
Event registrations and participation details
Sponsorship and advertising information
Payment and billing information
Information submitted through contact forms, surveys, or other online communications
We may also automatically collect certain technical information, including IP addresses, browser types, device information, website usage statistics, and pages visited.
We encourage visitors to provide only the information necessary for the services they request.
3. How We Use Information
The ESVA Chamber collects and uses information to support our mission of promoting economic growth, strengthening local businesses, and enhancing the quality of life throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Information may be used to:
Process and manage Chamber memberships
Administer event registrations, sponsorships, and ticket purchases
Communicate important Chamber news, activities, and announcements
Distribute newsletters, invitations, and promotional materials
Respond to inquiries and requests for information
Maintain membership records and business directories
Process payments and maintain financial records
Improve website functionality and visitor experience
Conduct surveys and evaluate Chamber programs
Promote Chamber initiatives, business development, and community events
Meet applicable legal, regulatory, and administrative obligations
We use personal information only for legitimate organizational purposes and as otherwise described in this policy.
4. Sharing and Disclosure of Information
The ESVA Chamber respects the privacy of individuals and businesses that provide information to our organization.
We do not sell personal contact information to third-party marketers.
We may share information under the following circumstances:
Membership Directories: Business contact information submitted for inclusion in Chamber membership directories may be displayed publicly or shared with other Chamber members, consistent with applicable directory settings and disclosures.
Service Providers: Information may be shared with trusted third-party providers that assist with website hosting, membership management, payment processing, email distribution, event registration, and other Chamber operations.
Events and Partnerships: Limited information may be shared with event organizers or partners when reasonably necessary to administer a program or event, consistent with applicable notices and permissions.
Legal Requirements: Information may be disclosed when required by law, legal process, or a lawful government request, or when reasonably necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Chamber and others.
We seek to limit information sharing to what is reasonably necessary for the intended purpose.
5. Online Payments and Financial Information
The ESVA Chamber may accept online payments for memberships, sponsorships, events, advertising, and other Chamber services.
Payments may be processed through secure third-party payment processing services.
The Chamber does not intentionally store complete credit card numbers or card security codes on its website servers.
Third-party payment processors maintain their own privacy policies and security practices. Visitors are encouraged to review those policies when completing online transactions.
Although we take reasonable precautions to protect financial information, no electronic payment system can be guaranteed completely secure.
6. Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, understand visitor activity, and enhance the online experience.
Cookies are small data files that websites may store on a visitor's device.
These technologies may be used to:
Remember website preferences
Support website functionality
Measure website traffic and performance
Understand how visitors interact with our website
Improve navigation and content
Visitors may adjust their browser settings to restrict or disable cookies. Certain website features may not function properly when cookies are disabled.
Where required by applicable law, we will obtain consent before using nonessential cookies or similar tracking technologies.
7. Email Communications and Newsletters
Individuals who subscribe to Chamber newsletters, register for events, become members, or otherwise provide contact information may receive communications related to Chamber activities and services, as permitted by applicable law.
These communications may include:
Chamber news and announcements
Upcoming events and networking opportunities
Membership updates and benefits
Business development programs
Sponsorship and advertising opportunities
Community and economic development initiatives
Recipients of promotional email communications may unsubscribe by using the unsubscribe link provided in the email or by contacting the Chamber directly.
Certain administrative communications, including membership notices, receipts, and event registration confirmations, may still be sent when necessary.
8. Membership Information and Business Directory
As a membership-based organization, the ESVA Chamber may maintain a directory of participating businesses and organizations.
Information included in the directory may consist of business names, addresses, telephone numbers, website links, business descriptions, and designated business contact information.
Information intentionally submitted for directory publication may be accessible to the public.
Members wishing to update or request removal of directory information may contact the Chamber.
The Chamber reserves the right to maintain records necessary for legitimate administrative, financial, or legal purposes.
9. Information Security
The ESVA Chamber takes reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, misuse, or destruction.
These measures may include secure website connections, controlled access to information, reputable technology service providers, and appropriate internal procedures.
However, no website, electronic communication, or data storage system is entirely secure.
While we strive to safeguard information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. Third-Party Websites and Links
Our website may contain links to websites operated by Chamber members, sponsors, advertisers, community partners, and other organizations.
These external websites operate independently of the ESVA Chamber and may maintain different privacy policies and information practices.
The Chamber is not responsible for the privacy practices, security, or content of third-party websites.
Visitors are encouraged to review the privacy policies of external websites before submitting personal information.
11. Children's Privacy
The ESVA Chamber website is intended primarily for businesses, professionals, community organizations, and the general public.
We do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under the age of 13 without appropriate parental consent.
If we become aware that personal information has been collected from a child under 13 in circumstances that require parental consent and such consent was not obtained, we will take appropriate steps to delete the information.
Parents or guardians who believe a child has submitted personal information may contact the Chamber.
12. Data Retention
The ESVA Chamber retains personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, maintain membership and organizational records, comply with legal and financial obligations, resolve disputes, and support legitimate Chamber operations.
When personal information is no longer required, we will take reasonable steps to securely delete, anonymize, or otherwise dispose of it, subject to applicable recordkeeping requirements.
13. Your Privacy Choices and Requests
Individuals may contact the ESVA Chamber to request:
Access to personal information maintained by the Chamber
Corrections to inaccurate or outdated information
Removal from promotional email distribution lists
Updates to membership directory information
Deletion of certain personal information, where appropriate and legally permitted
Information about how personal data is collected, used, or shared
We will review privacy-related requests and respond in accordance with applicable law and our operational responsibilities.
Some information may need to be retained for financial, contractual, legal, or administrative reasons.
14. Changes to This Privacy Policy
The ESVA Chamber may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, website operations, organizational practices, or applicable laws.
Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
We encourage website visitors and Chamber members to review this policy periodically.
15. Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of personal information, please contact:
Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce
Website: www.esvachamber.org
Telephone: 757-787-2460
Please contact the Chamber through its official website or by telephone for additional assistance.
Our Commitment to Privacy
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce values the relationships we build with our members, businesses, community partners, and visitors. Protecting the information entrusted to us is an important part of maintaining those relationships.
We are committed to responsible information management, transparency, and maintaining the confidence of the Eastern Shore community we proudly serve.