Effective Date: July 29, 2026
Think Local First Victoria Society (“Think Local First”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding the personal information entrusted to us. We believe in being transparent about how we collect, use, disclose, retain, and protect your information.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, apply for membership, register for events, subscribe to our communications, submit forms, make payments, or otherwise interact with Think Local First Victoria.
By accessing or using our website, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
About Think Local First Victoria
Think Local First Victoria is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Greater Victoria’s locally owned business community through advocacy, education, networking, collaboration, and community engagement.
Website: https://thinklocalvictoria.com
Email: hello@thinklocalvictoria.com
Phone: (778) 557-7744
Information We Collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect personal information including:
- First and last name
- Business or organization name
- Job title
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Mailing address
- Website address
- Social media links
- Membership information
- Event registrations
- Sponsorship applications
- Volunteer applications
- Survey responses
- Contact form submissions
- Directory profile information
- Payment confirmation information
- Any additional information you voluntarily provide
We collect only the information reasonably necessary to deliver our programs, services, and member benefits.
Information Automatically Collected
When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type
- Operating system
- Screen resolution
- Pages visited
- Time spent on pages
- Referral website
- Search terms
- Approximate geographic location
- Date and time of your visit
- Website interactions
- Cookies and similar technologies
This information helps us improve website performance, understand visitor behavior, maintain website security, and enhance your experience.
Membership Information (Membee)
Think Local First Victoria uses Membee to manage:
- Membership applications
- Membership renewals
- Member profiles
- Member directory listings
- Event registrations
- Member communications
- Membership records
When you become a member, your information is securely stored within Membee.
Information displayed publicly in our Member Directory is based on the information you choose to make visible through your membership profile. Members may update or modify their information at any time through their member account.
Member Directory
Our online Member Directory exists to help promote locally owned businesses throughout Greater Victoria.
Public directory information may include:
- Business name
- Logo
- Description
- Contact information
- Website
- Business address
- Social media links
- Photos
- Products and services
Members control the information made publicly available through their directory profile.
Event Registration
When you register for networking events, workshops, book clubs, annual meetings, or other programs, we may collect information including:
- Contact information
- Organization
- Accessibility requirements
- Dietary restrictions
- Registration history
- Attendance records
This information is used only to administer events and communicate with attendees.
Some events may be photographed or recorded for promotional purposes. By attending a public event, you acknowledge that photographs or video may be taken. If you prefer not to appear in promotional materials, please notify an event organizer when you arrive.
Contact Forms & Online Submissions
When you submit information through our website, your information may be processed using services such as:
- WordPress forms
- Google Forms
- Google Workspace
- Membee
Information submitted through forms is used solely for the purpose for which it was collected, including:
- Membership inquiries
- Sponsorship opportunities
- Volunteer applications
- General questions
- Member updates
- Event registrations
- Requests for information
Newsletter & Email Communications
We use Mailchimp to distribute newsletters, event invitations, announcements, member updates, and other communications.
If you subscribe:
- Your name and email address are securely stored by Mailchimp.
- We may collect information about email opens and link clicks to improve future communications.
- Every marketing email includes an unsubscribe link.
- You may unsubscribe at any time.
Our electronic communications comply with Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).
Payment Processing
Think Local First Victoria accepts membership fees, event registrations, sponsorship payments, and other applicable fees through Membee and QuickBooks Payments.
When you make a payment:
- Payment information is processed securely by our trusted third-party payment providers.
- Think Local First Victoria does not store your complete credit or debit card information on our website or servers.
- Payment information is encrypted and transmitted using industry-standard security practices.
- We receive only the information necessary to confirm your payment, maintain membership records, issue receipts, and provide services.
Payments processed through Membee and QuickBooks are subject to their respective privacy and security practices.
Google Services
Our website may use Google services including:
- Google Analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Google Forms
- Google Maps
- Google Fonts
- Google reCAPTCHA
- Google Workspace
- Google Search Console
These services help us:
- Understand website traffic
- Improve website performance
- Prevent spam
- Display maps
- Manage online forms
- Maintain website security
Google may collect technical information according to its own Privacy Policy.
Analytics & Website Tracking
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website.
Analytics information may include:
- Pages visited
- Time spent on pages
- Device type
- Browser
- Traffic source
- General geographic location
- User interactions
Analytics information is generally aggregated and does not personally identify individual visitors.
Cookies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience.
Cookies may be used to:
- Remember user preferences
- Maintain secure logins
- Improve website functionality
- Analyze website traffic
- Measure marketing effectiveness
- Support member login functionality
WordPress Cookies
If you leave a comment on our website, you may choose to save your name, email address, and website in cookies for your convenience. These cookies generally remain for one year.
If you visit our login page, WordPress creates a temporary cookie to determine whether your browser accepts cookies. This cookie contains no personal information and is deleted when you close your browser.
When members log in, WordPress creates cookies to remember login information and display preferences. Login cookies generally remain for two days unless “Remember Me” is selected, in which case they may remain for up to two weeks.
If administrators edit or publish content, an additional cookie may be stored that identifies the edited post. This cookie contains no personal information and expires after one day.
You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some website features may not function correctly.
Comments
If comments are enabled on our website, we collect:
- Information entered into the comment form
- IP address
- Browser user agent
This information helps detect spam and maintain website security.
An anonymized string (hash) created from your email address may be shared with the Gravatar service to determine whether you use that service. If your comment is approved, your profile image may appear publicly beside your comment.
Media Uploads
If members or administrators upload images to the website, we recommend removing embedded location data (EXIF GPS) before uploading.
Visitors may be able to download publicly available images and extract embedded location information if it remains within the file.
Embedded Content
Our website may include embedded content from third-party websites, including:
- YouTube
- Vimeo
- Google Maps
Embedded content behaves exactly as if you visited the originating website directly.
These websites may:
- Collect information about you
- Use cookies
- Track your interactions
- Monitor your engagement
Their privacy practices are governed by their own privacy policies.
User Accounts
Members who register for an online account may have personal information stored within their user profile.
Registered users may:
- View their information
- Update their information
- Correct inaccuracies
Website administrators may access member information when required to administer memberships and provide services.
Password Resets
If you request a password reset, your IP address may be included in the password reset email for security purposes.
Website Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information.
Security measures may include:
- SSL encryption
- Secure hosting
- Firewalls
- Access controls
- Software updates
- Malware protection
- Spam prevention
- Limited administrative access
Although we take reasonable precautions, no method of transmitting information over the Internet or storing electronic information is completely secure.
Website Hosting
Our website is professionally hosted and maintained using secure hosting infrastructure.
Our hosting provider may temporarily process technical information required to deliver website content, maintain website functionality, and support website security.
Who We Share Information With
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
We may share information with trusted service providers who help us operate our organization, including:
- Membee (membership management, event registration, and member directory)
- QuickBooks Payments (payment processing and financial records)
- Mailchimp (email communications)
- Google (Analytics, Maps, Forms, Workspace, Search Console, Tag Manager, and reCAPTCHA)
- Our website hosting provider
- IT and website support providers
- Spam detection and website security services
These providers may access personal information only as necessary to perform services on our behalf.
We may also disclose information where required by law or to protect our legal rights.
Spam Detection
Comments and certain website submissions may be reviewed through automated spam detection services to help protect our website from abuse.
How Long We Retain Information
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:
- Maintain membership records
- Deliver requested services
- Meet legal and financial obligations
- Resolve disputes
- Protect organizational interests
If you leave a comment, the comment and its metadata may be retained indefinitely to recognize and approve follow-up comments automatically.
Registered member information is retained while your account remains active and for any additional period required by law.
Your Privacy Rights
Subject to applicable law, you may request to:
- Access your personal information
- Receive a copy of your information
- Correct inaccurate information
- Update your information
- Withdraw consent
- Request deletion of your personal information where appropriate
- Unsubscribe from marketing communications
Please note that we may retain information where required by law or for legitimate administrative, financial, or security purposes.
Children’s Privacy
Our website is intended for adults, business owners, and community organizations.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without appropriate consent.
International Visitors
Our website is operated from Canada.
If you access our website from another country, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in Canada.
External Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, technology, website functionality, or organizational practices.
The most current version will always be posted on this page with the revised Effective Date.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal information, or would like to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:
Think Local First Victoria
Email: hello@thinklocalvictoria.com
Phone: (778) 557-7744
Website: https://thinklocalvictoria.com
Privacy Compliance
Think Local First Victoria is committed to protecting personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), and other applicable Canadian privacy laws.
We are committed to collecting only the information necessary to deliver our programs and services while maintaining transparency, accountability, and respect for your privacy.
