Privacy Policy

United States Veterans Inc. Chamber of Commerce — VETBIZ Connect

Effective Date: April 19, 2026  ·  Last Updated: April 19, 2026

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The United States Veterans Inc. Chamber of Commerce ("USVIncCC," "we," "our," or "us") operates the VETBIZ Connect platform. We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our members' personal and business information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have regarding your data. By using VETBIZ Connect, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

Account & Profile Information

When you register for VETBIZ Connect, we collect your full name, email address, phone number, business name, industry, veteran status, certifications (e.g., SDVOSB, VOB), company logo, profile photo, social media handles, and any other information you voluntarily provide in your member profile.

Usage & Analytics Data

We automatically collect information about how you interact with the platform, including pages visited, features used, QR code scans, profile views, social link clicks, event RSVPs, messages sent, and connection requests. This data is used to improve the platform and provide analytics to members.

Device & Technical Information

We collect device type, operating system, browser type, IP address, and general geographic location (city/state level) to ensure platform security, optimize performance, and detect fraudulent activity.

Payment Information

Membership fee payments are processed securely by PayPal. We do not store full credit card numbers, CVV codes, or bank account details. We retain only the transaction reference identifiers and payment status provided by PayPal.

2. How We Use Your Information

Platform Operations

To create and manage your member account, display your digital business card (VETBIZ Connect Card), enable profile exchanges via QR code and secure link, facilitate direct messaging and connection requests, and process membership payments.

Networking & Matchmaking

To power the AI Business Matchmaking engine, populate the Member Directory, suggest relevant connections, and display your profile to other verified members who search the directory.

Communications

To send you platform notifications, event announcements (Eagles Night Out, Gathering of Eagles), membership renewal reminders, and important security alerts. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time from your account settings.

Analytics & Improvement

To analyze aggregate usage patterns, improve platform features, generate your personal Card Analytics dashboard, and measure the effectiveness of networking events.

3. Information Sharing & Disclosure

Other Members

Your public profile information — name, business name, industry, veteran status, certifications, contact details, social links, and company logo — is visible to other verified VETBIZ Connect members in the Member Directory and when you share your VETBIZ Connect Card. You control which fields are displayed via your Privacy Settings.

Service Providers

We share data with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating the platform, including PayPal (payment processing), AWS/S3 (file storage), and analytics services. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and may not use it for their own purposes.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government authority, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of USVIncCC, our members, or the public.

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, member data may be transferred as part of the transaction. We will notify members via email and a prominent platform notice before any such transfer occurs.

4. Data Security

Technical Safeguards

All data transmitted between your device and VETBIZ Connect servers is encrypted using TLS 1.3. Passwords are hashed using industry-standard bcrypt. Profile data is stored in encrypted cloud databases with access controls restricted to authorized personnel only.

Authentication

VETBIZ Connect uses OAuth 2.0 authentication with session-based security. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is available and recommended for all members. Suspicious login attempts trigger automatic account lockout and email alerts.

Incident Response

In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will notify you within 72 hours of discovery via email and a platform alert, in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

5. Your Privacy Rights

Access & Portability

You may request a copy of all personal data we hold about you at any time by contacting [email protected]. We will provide your data in a machine-readable format within 30 days.

Correction & Deletion

You may update your profile information at any time from your Account Settings. To request permanent deletion of your account and all associated data, contact [email protected]. Deletion requests are processed within 30 days, subject to legal retention requirements.

Opt-Out

You may opt out of marketing emails at any time using the unsubscribe link in any email we send. You may also adjust notification preferences in your Account Settings. Opting out of marketing communications does not affect transactional emails (receipts, security alerts).

California Residents (CCPA)

California residents have the right to know what personal information is collected, to request deletion, to opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information), and to non-discrimination for exercising these rights.

6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Essential Cookies

We use session cookies to maintain your authenticated login state. These are strictly necessary for the platform to function and cannot be disabled.

Analytics Cookies

We use first-party analytics to measure platform usage and performance. These cookies collect anonymized, aggregated data and do not track you across other websites.

Managing Cookies

You may disable non-essential cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect certain platform features, including persistent login sessions.

7. Contact Us

Privacy Officer

For any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact our Privacy Officer at [email protected] or by mail at: United States Veterans Inc. Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Privacy Officer, United States of America.

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email and a platform notice at least 30 days before the changes take effect. Your continued use of VETBIZ Connect after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

★ VETBIZ Connect — Protecting Our Members ★

Questions about this policy? Contact us at [email protected]