Effective Date: June 16, 2026
The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership (Regional Partnership) values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard data when you visit our website or interact with our digital services.
1. Who We Are
The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership (Regional Partnership) is a nonprofit regional economic development organization serving North Central Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Our mission is to advance the region’s visibility, talent, and economic growth through business attraction, talent development, and regional collaboration.
Our website address is: https://www.southbendelkhart.org
2. Information We Collect
We collect information in the following ways:
-
- Information you provide directly – such as when you fill out a contact form, sign up for newsletters, or register for an event. This may include your name, email address, phone number, organization, and any message you choose to submit.
-
- Automatically collected information – such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring website, and browsing activity on our site. This is collected through standard web technologies (cookies, analytics tools) to improve site performance and user experience.
-
- Event registrations & partnerships – if you register for programs, events, or initiatives hosted by the Partnership, we may collect relevant organizational and professional information to facilitate participation.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use personal and non-personal data to:
-
- Respond to inquiries and provide requested information.
-
- Share updates on regional initiatives, programs, and events.
-
- Improve and analyze website performance, security, and effectiveness.
-
- Manage and communicate about registrations for events or programs.
-
- Fulfill reporting and accountability needs as a nonprofit organization.
-
- Comply with legal, security, or administrative requirements.
We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.
4. Use of Cookies and Analytics
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
-
- Remember user preferences.
-
- Enhance functionality and user experience.
-
- Collect aggregated statistics about website traffic and usage.
We may also use Google Analytics or similar tools. These services may collect anonymized information about your use of the site. You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer.
5. Embedded Content and Third-Party Services
Our website may include embedded content or links (e.g., videos, maps, data dashboards, or social media feeds). Embedded content from other websites behaves as if you had visited those websites directly. These third-party sites may use cookies, collect data, or track your interaction according to their own privacy policies.
6. Data Sharing
We may share your information with trusted service providers who assist us with website hosting, data management, communications, or analytics. These providers are only allowed to use your information in accordance with our instructions and for the specific purposes outlined above.
7. Data Retention
-
- Contact form inquiries: Retained as long as necessary to respond and follow up.
-
- Newsletter subscriptions: Retained until you unsubscribe.
-
- Event registrations: Retained as part of organizational records in line with nonprofit management practices.
-
- Cookies and analytics data: Retained in accordance with the third-party provider policies.
8. Your Rights
Depending on applicable laws, you may have the right to:
-
- Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
-
- Request corrections or updates to your information.
-
- Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal/administrative retention requirements).
-
- Opt out of communications at any time by using an “unsubscribe” link or contacting us directly.
Requests can be made by emailing info@southbendelkhart.org
9. Data Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect your information. However, no method of data transmission or storage can be guaranteed as 100% secure.
10. Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools
The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership uses third-party artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support internal operations, including drafting communications, analyzing data, and improving the efficiency of our programs. Information you provide through our website, forms, or direct correspondence may be reviewed or processed by staff using these tools.
We use AI services under an organizational-level agreement that prohibits your data from being used to train AI models. Your information is handled in accordance with the same data minimization and security principles described in this policy.
If you have questions about our use of AI tools, please contact us at info@southbendelkhart.org.
11. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with an updated “Effective Date.”
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact us:
South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership
635 S. Lafayette Blvd. Ste. 123 South Bend, IN 46601
info@southbendelkhart.org
574-344-4686