Effective Date: September 2026
Privacy Policy
Hastings Business Connection (“HBC,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) operates ExploreHastingsMI.com to connect residents and visitors with local businesses, events, and community resources in and around Hastings, Michigan.
This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through this website, how we use it, and the choices available to you.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide to Us
We may collect information that you voluntarily provide through forms on this website, including:
- First and last name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Business name
- Business address
- Membership selection
- Business descriptions
- Website and social media links
- Business logos, photographs, and other materials submitted for directory listings
- Other information you choose to provide to Hastings Business Connection
We use this information to process membership requests, communicate with members, prepare and maintain Explore Hastings business listings, send invoices, provide HBC updates, and administer Hastings Business Connection activities.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit ExploreHastingsMI.com, certain technical and usage information may be collected automatically. This may include:
- Internet Protocol (IP) address
- Browser type
- Device type
- Operating system
- Referring website
- Pages visited
- Approximate geographic information
- Date and time of visits
- Interactions with pages and website features
We use this information to understand how visitors use the website, maintain website performance, and improve the Explore Hastings experience.
Google Analytics
ExploreHastingsMI.com uses or may use Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors interact with the website.
Google Analytics may use cookies and similar technologies to collect information about website usage, including pages viewed, device information, approximate location, and interactions with the site.
Information collected through Google Analytics is processed according to Google’s own privacy practices.
Google Search Console
ExploreHastingsMI.com uses or may use Google Search Console to understand how the website appears and performs in Google Search.
Google Search Console primarily provides aggregated information about search queries, impressions, clicks, website pages, and search performance. It does not replace or directly access information submitted through HBC membership forms.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
ExploreHastingsMI.com may use cookies and similar technologies for website functionality, analytics, security, and performance.
You may control or delete cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect how some portions of the website function.
Membership and Business Directory Information
Businesses that join Hastings Business Connection may provide information specifically for publication in the Explore Hastings directory.
Information intended for a public business listing may include:
- Business name
- Address
- Phone number
- Website
- Social media links
- Business description
- Logo
- Photographs
- Business category
- Hours of operation
By submitting this information for a business listing, you authorize Hastings Business Connection to publish and display it on ExploreHastingsMI.com and in related Hastings Business Connection promotional materials.
Email Communications
We may use the email address you provide to send:
- Membership information
- Membership invoices
- Payment-related communications
- Renewal invoices and reminders
- Business listing instructions
- HBC newsletters
- Event information
- Community updates
- Other communications related to Hastings Business Connection
You may unsubscribe from marketing or newsletter emails using the unsubscribe link included in those messages.
Transactional or administrative communications related to a membership, invoice, renewal, payment, or requested service may still be sent when necessary.
Text Messaging
Hastings Business Connection does not currently operate a text-message marketing or notification program through ExploreHastingsMI.com.
Providing a phone number through the website does not, by itself, enroll you in a text-message marketing program.
If Hastings Business Connection introduces text messaging in the future, appropriate consent language and this Privacy Policy will be updated before applicable messages are sent.
Invoicing and Payment Information
Businesses selecting a paid Hastings Business Connection membership may receive invoices electronically.
Membership invoices may be paid manually or, when the member has expressly authorized an available automatic-payment method, may be paid automatically according to that authorization.
Payment card, bank account, and other payment credentials are processed through applicable third-party payment and invoicing providers.
Hastings Business Connection does not intend to store complete payment card information directly on ExploreHastingsMI.com.
Third-party payment providers process information according to their own privacy policies and terms.
Service Providers
We may use third-party service providers to operate the website and administer Hastings Business Connection activities, including services used for:
- Website hosting
- Customer relationship management
- Online forms
- Email communication
- Invoicing
- Payment processing
- Website analytics
- Search-performance reporting
These providers may process information on our behalf as reasonably necessary to provide their services.
How We Use Information
We may use information collected through ExploreHastingsMI.com to:
- Administer Hastings Business Connection memberships
- Send membership and renewal invoices
- Process or facilitate membership payments
- Create and maintain business-directory listings
- Respond to questions and requests
- Send newsletters and community updates
- Communicate about HBC events and activities
- Operate and improve the website
- Understand website traffic and search performance
- Maintain security and prevent misuse
- Comply with applicable legal obligations
How We Share Information
Hastings Business Connection does not sell personal information.
We may share information with service providers that help us operate the website, communicate with members, issue invoices, process payments, or analyze website performance.
Information submitted specifically for a public Explore Hastings business listing may be publicly displayed as described above.
We may also disclose information if required by law, legal process, or when reasonably necessary to protect the rights, safety, or property of Hastings Business Connection, its members, website visitors, or others.
Data Retention
We retain information for as long as reasonably necessary to administer memberships, maintain business and payment records, provide requested services, comply with legal obligations, and support legitimate organizational purposes.
Data Security
We use reasonable administrative and technical measures designed to protect information collected through the website.
However, no website, online service, payment system, or electronic transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Children’s Privacy
ExploreHastingsMI.com is intended for a general audience and is not directed toward children under 13.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through membership or business-submission forms.
Third-Party Links
ExploreHastingsMI.com contains links to websites and social media pages operated by local businesses and other third parties.
Hastings Business Connection is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of those third-party websites.
Your Choices and Requests
If you have submitted personal or business information to Hastings Business Connection and would like to request that it be corrected or updated, please contact us.
Members may also contact HBC regarding changes to information displayed in their Explore Hastings business listing.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
Hastings Business Connection may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the website, our services, technology, business practices, or applicable requirements.
The Effective Date at the top of this page will be updated when material changes are made.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or information submitted through ExploreHastingsMI.com, please contact: