Privacy Policy
Effective Date: August 24, 2026 Last Updated: August 24, 2026
We value your privacy. Please read this Privacy Policy carefully before using https://virginiahighlanddistrict.com (the "Website"), operated by Virginia Highland District, Inc., a Georgia Nonprofit Corporation and registered 501(c)(3) organization (“VHDA,” "us," "we," "our"). The member organizations and businesses that comprise VHDA may be referred to as “members” or “partners”.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information about you. Your access to and use of the Website is conditional upon your acceptance of this Privacy Policy. It applies to all visitors, users, and others who access or use the Website. By accessing or using the Website, you agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any part of it, please do not access or use the Website.
Information We Collect
We may collect information you provide directly to us (such as your name, email address, and any message content) when you fill out a contact form, sign up for our newsletter, or otherwise communicate with us. We may also collect certain technical information — such as IP address, browser type, device information (including mobile device ID), and browsing activity on the Website — through cookies and similar technologies, as described below.
Retention of Information
We may retain the information we collect only for as long as necessary to the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy and/or to comply with any legal obligations. You may request information about how long we retain data we have collected via our email address below.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Cookies are small pieces of data sent from a website and stored on your device by your web browser. Cookies help us understand how visitors use the Website and let us tailor content to your preferences and improve your experience.
We may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Analyze web traffic using analytics tools
- Identify whether you are signed in to the Website
- Test and improve content on the Website
- Store your preferences
- Recognize you when you return to the Website
Cookies do not give us access to your computer or any information about you beyond what you choose to share. Most browsers accept cookies automatically, but you can usually change your browser settings to decline them. Declining cookies may limit some functionality of the Website.
Global Privacy Control and "Do Not Track"
Some browsers and browser extensions send a Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal indicating you do not want your personal information sold or shared, and certain states now require businesses to honor it. We are working to honor GPC signals as an opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information for those visitors to whom applicable law extends that right. At the present time, we do not respond to browser "Do Not Track" signals, which are distinct from GPC and not yet a uniform legal standard. You can manage both settings in your browser's preferences.
Children's Privacy
The Website is intended for a general audience and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that a child under 13 has submitted personal information to us, we will use it only to respond to the child and inform them that they may not use the Website, and we will then delete the information, consistent with our data retention practices and others outlined in this Privacy Policy.
How We Use Your Information
We may use the information you provide to:
- Respond to your inquiries and provide support via calls, emails, SMS or similar communications
- Provide you with news, updates, and other content regarding VHDA and our members
- Analyze, improve, and maintain the Website
- Maintain the security and proper functioning of the Website
- Any other legal purpose that is not specifically excluded by this Privacy Policy
Transfer of Your Information
We do not sell your personal information without your consent, and we will not knowingly share it for purposes of cross-context behavioral or other such advertising. If this or other practices are to change, we will update this Policy accordingly and in a diligent manner. You may still opt out of any future sale or sharing by contacting us at info@virginiahighlanddistrict.com or using the GPC setting described above.
With Whom We Share Your Information
We do not knowingly share your personal information with any third parties except as follows:
- With internet service providers (ISPs) who help us operate the Website (e.g., hosting, email, and analytics providers) who are obligated to protect your information
- If required to do so by law enforcement or other legal process
- To protect the rights, property, or safety of VHDA, our members, or other individuals
Where required by law, we will notify you of any other sharing of your personal information, provide you with an opportunity to decline, and work to honor your request in a diligent manner.
Analytics
The Website uses Google Analytics and may use other analytics tools to understand visitor behavior. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights under applicable state privacy laws (such as those in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, and other states) to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate personal information
- Delete your personal information
- Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information, or its use for targeted advertising
- Appeal a decision we make regarding your request
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@virginiahighlanddistrict.com. We will not discriminate against you for exercising these rights. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling certain requests. If we deny your request, you may have the right to appeal by replying to our decision.
Third-Party Websites
The Website may contain links to websites operated by other parties. We provide these links solely for your convenience and to improve your experience with the Website. However, we do not control and are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of any third-party site. Please review the privacy policy of any third-party site you visit. A link from our Website does not imply our endorsement of, or affiliation with, the linked site.
Data Security and Retention
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, or as required by law.
Opting Out of Data Collection
You may limit our collection of your personal information by not submitting information through the Website, unsubscribing from emails using the link provided in each message, adjusting your cookie/browser settings, or contacting us directly. We promise to honor these or any other requests in a timely manner.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Material changes will be posted on this page; please check back periodically.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at:
Virginia Highland District Email: info@virginiahighlanddistrict.com
