At the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to transparency, professionalism, and protecting the trust of our members, event attendees, website visitors, and community partners. This page outlines the policies that govern how we collect and use information, protect your privacy, manage website content, process event registrations, and provide Chamber resources. We encourage you to review these policies and check back periodically, as they may be updated from time to time.

If you have any questions about these policies, please contact us at communications@howardchamber.com or call (410) 730-4111.

Privacy Policy

The Howard County Chamber of Commerce is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding the personal information you share with us through our website. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have regarding your information.

Information We Collect

When you interact with our website, register for events, join the Chamber, subscribe to our emails, or contact us, we may collect information such as:

• Name
• Company name and job title
• Mailing address
• Email address
• Phone number
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment providers)
• Information you voluntarily provide through forms, registrations, surveys, or inquiries
• Website usage data collected through cookies and analytics tools

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process memberships, event registrations, and payments
• Communicate with you about Chamber programs, events, and member benefits
• Send newsletters, marketing emails, and other Chamber updates (you may unsubscribe at any time)
• Respond to questions and requests
• Improve our website, programs, and member experience
• Maintain accurate membership records
• Conduct surveys and gather feedback

Cookies & Website Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience and better understand how visitors use our website.

Cookies may be used to:

• Remember your preferences
• Measure website traffic and performance
• Improve website functionality
• Analyze visitor behavior through tools such as Google Analytics

Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you may choose to disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled. If you’d like to opt out of Google Analytics, you can do so through Google’s Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Email Communications

If you subscribe to Chamber emails or register for an event, you may receive communications related to Chamber news, programs, member benefits, and upcoming events. You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by clicking the “Unsubscribe” link included in our emails or by contacting us directly.

Information Sharing

The Howard County Chamber of Commerce does not sell or rent your personal information. We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate our website, process payments, manage events, or deliver communications. These providers are only given the information necessary to perform their services on our behalf. We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights, safety, or property of the Chamber.

Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience. Once you leave our website, we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect the information we collect from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. While no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, we strive to use commercially reasonable safeguards to protect your information.

Your Information

You may request to review or update the personal information we maintain about you by contacting us. If you would like to update your information, ask a question about this Privacy Policy, or request assistance, please contact:

Howard County Chamber of Commerce
10211 Wincopin Circle, Suite 202
Columbia, MD 21044

Email: communications@howardchamber.com

Logo Use Policy

The Howard County Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize active members through the official “Proud Member of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce” logo.

Approved Use

Current Chamber members may display the official Proud Member logo on their company website. Members wishing to use the logo must first obtain approval from the Chamber. The logo may not be modified, stretched, recolored, recreated, or combined with other graphics. Members displaying the logo on their website must link it directly to www.howardchamber.com.

Restrictions

The Howard County Chamber logo may not be used:

• To imply Chamber sponsorship, endorsement, or partnership
• To promote a product, service, event, or individual as Chamber-approved
• By organizations that are not current Chamber members
• In any altered or modified format

Use of the logo does not grant ownership or licensing rights to any Howard County Chamber trademarks or intellectual property.

Membership Requirement

Permission to use the Proud Member logo remains valid only while Chamber membership is active. Organizations whose membership expires or is terminated must immediately discontinue use of the logo. The Howard County Chamber reserves the right to revoke permission to use its logo at any time and may take appropriate action to address unauthorized use.

Event Registration, Cancellation & Refund Policy

The Howard County Chamber of Commerce strives to provide high-quality programs and events for our members and guests. To help us plan effectively, we ask that attendees review the following registration policies.

Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellations must be received at least 48 hours prior to the event to be eligible for a refund. Refund requests received fewer than 48 hours before the event are not eligible for a refund. If you are unable to attend, you may contact the Chamber to determine whether your registration can be transferred to another individual from your organization.

Day-of Registration

Tickets may be available for purchase at the door as space permits. Full payment is required at the time of registration.

Inclement Weather

If Howard County Government offices are closed due to inclement weather, Howard County Chamber of Commerce events will be cancelled and rescheduled. Registered attendees will be notified of the new event date as soon as possible.

Photography & Video Policy

The Howard County Chamber of Commerce regularly photographs and records events for promotional, educational, and historical purposes. By attending a Chamber event, you acknowledge that your photograph, image, likeness, or voice may appear in Chamber publications, marketing materials, social media, newsletters, videos, and on the Chamber website without compensation or additional permission. If you have concerns regarding photography at an event, please notify a Chamber staff member upon arrival.

Website Terms of Use

The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only. Unless otherwise noted, all website content, logos, graphics, photographs, text, and other materials are the property of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce and may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed without written permission.

We strive to keep all information current and accurate but make no guarantees regarding the completeness or accuracy of information posted on this website. The Chamber reserves the right to modify website content, services, programs, or these policies at any time without prior notice.

Changes to These Policies

We may update these Chamber policies from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

Effective Date: June 30, 2026