Locally Owned and Operated is a certification program operated by American Operator Holdings Co. ("American Operator," "we," "us," or "our"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and share information when you visit locallyownedandoperated.org, apply for certification, nominate a business, use the business map, or otherwise interact with the program.

Information we collect

We may collect:

• Information you provide: Your name, email address, phone number, business name, business address, website, social media links, ownership and operating details, application responses, nominations, and messages you send us.

• Certification information: Your application status, eligibility materials, certification status, and information needed to issue or renew a certification.

• Text messaging information: Your mobile number, your choice to opt in or out of text messages, and records of messages related to the program.

• Website information: IP address, device and browser information, pages viewed, referral source, and interactions with our site. We may collect this through cookies and similar technologies.

If you nominate another business, please provide only information you are authorized to share.

How we use information

We use information to operate the program; review applications and nominations; verify eligibility; communicate about applications, certification, and renewals; send physical and digital certification materials; display certified businesses on the public map and directory; respond to questions; improve the site and program; measure outreach; protect against misuse; and comply with legal obligations.

If you separately opt in to text messages, we may send certification-related texts, including reminders to finish an application and updates about your certification. You can reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Opting out of texts does not prevent us from contacting you by other methods about your application or certification.

Public business listings

If your business is certified, we may publicly display its business name, location, website, business description, certification status, and other business details you submit for your listing. Please do not submit personal information for a public listing unless you want it displayed.

How we share information

We may share information with service providers that help us run the website and certification program, including hosting, analytics, communications, printing, mailing, and customer support providers. We may also share information with American Operator affiliates for program operations, with professional advisers, or when required by law. Public business listing information is visible to visitors of the map or directory. We do not sell personal information.

All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties, excluding aggregators and providers of the Text Message services. We do not share SMS consent data with affiliates or non-affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes.

Cookies and other sites

We may use cookies and similar technologies to operate the site, understand how visitors use it, and measure our outreach. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though some site features may not work as intended. Our site may link to other websites, which have their own privacy practices.

Your choices

You can request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by contacting us at certifications@locallyownedandoperated.org. We may need to verify your identity and may retain information when required or permitted by law. You can unsubscribe from promotional emails using the link in an email and opt out of text messages by replying STOP.

Retention and security

We keep information for as long as reasonably needed to run the program, maintain certification records, fulfill the purposes described here, and meet legal obligations. We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect information, though no method of storage or transmission is completely secure.

Children

The program is intended for adults and businesses. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe a child has provided information to us, please contact us.

Changes and contact

We may update this policy and will post the revised version with a new effective date. Questions or privacy requests can be sent to:

American Operator Holdings Co.
Locally Owned and Operated Certification Program
certifications@locallyownedandoperated.org
2810 S. 1st St., Austin, TX 78704