Effective Date: October 12, 2026
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce ("the Chamber," "we," "us," or "our") operates santamaria.com (the "Site") and is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website, register for events, join as a member, or otherwise interact with us online.
By using this Site, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
Information you provide directly
- Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address — collected through contact forms, membership applications, event registrations, and newsletter sign-ups
- Business name, title, and industry — for membership records and our online business directory
- Payment information — processed securely through third-party payment processors; the Chamber does not store credit card numbers
- Messages, inquiries, and other communications you send us
Information collected automatically
When you visit the Site, we and our service providers may automatically collect certain technical information, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages visited, and time spent on pages. This information is collected through cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Cookies section below).
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Process membership applications and renewals
- Register you for events, programs, and workshops
- Send newsletters, announcements, and other communications you have requested
- Respond to inquiries and provide customer service
- Promote Chamber events, programs, and member benefits
- Improve our Site and services
- Comply with applicable legal obligations
- Conduct research and analysis in support of our economic development and community initiatives
How We Share Your Information
The Chamber does not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:
- Service providers: We work with trusted vendors who help us operate the Site and carry out our programs (such as email platforms, event registration systems, and payment processors). These vendors are required to handle your information confidentially and use it only to perform services on our behalf.
- Member directory: If you are a Chamber member and have opted in to our online business directory, your business contact information will be publicly visible.
- Legal requirements: We may disclose information when required to do so by law, subpoena, court order, or other legal process, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights or the safety of others.
- Aggregate data: We may share de-identified, aggregate information with affiliated programs and partner organizations for reporting and planning purposes. This information cannot be used to identify you.
Mobile Messaging
If you provide your mobile phone number and opt in to receive text messages from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, we will use that number to send you transactional or informational messages related to your membership, events, or programs you have expressed interest in.
Mobile information will not be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out at any time. Reply HELP for assistance. For more information, contact us at info@santamaria.com.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our Site uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyze website traffic. Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website.
We use the following types of cookies:
- Essential cookies: Required for the Site to function properly
- Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our Site (we use tools such as Google Analytics)
- Preference cookies: Remember your settings and choices across visits
You can set your browser to refuse all cookies or to alert you when cookies are being sent. Some features of the Site may not function properly if cookies are disabled. To opt out of Google Analytics tracking, visit tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
Email Communications
We may send you email newsletters, event invitations, and membership updates. You may opt out of marketing emails at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any email or by contacting us directly. You may still receive transactional or administrative emails related to your account or a specific registration even after unsubscribing from marketing communications.
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. No method of transmitting or storing data is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, to maintain membership and event records, or as required or permitted by law.
Children's Privacy
The Site is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.
California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, you may have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to:
- Know what personal information we collect about you and how it is used and shared
- Request deletion of your personal information (subject to certain exceptions)
- Opt out of the sale of your personal information (note: the Chamber does not sell personal information)
- Non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights
To submit a CCPA request or for more information about your rights, please contact us using the information below.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. When we do, we will post the revised policy on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy from time to time. Your continued use of the Site after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce 614 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 925-2403
info@santamaria.com