Privacy Policy for Middle Rio Grande Development Council SMS Campaigns

Middle Rio Grande Economic Development ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, manage, and protect personal information obtained through our SMS campaigns. By participating in our SMS campaigns, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

​

1. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to all individuals who opt into receiving SMS messages from Middle Rio Grande Development Council for purposes including, but not limited to, economic development outreach, event notifications, and community alerts ("SMS Campaigns"). It details the collection and handling of personal information, including phone numbers, and your rights regarding that information.

2. Information We Collect

When you opt into our SMS Campaigns, we collect the following personal information:

• Mobile Phone Number: Provided by you during the opt-in process.

• Opt-In Consent Data: Records of your explicit consent to receive SMS messages, including timestamps and method of consent (e.g., keyword submission or form completion).

• Optional Information: Any additional data you may provide, such as your name or preferences, if requested during the opt-in process.

We do not collect text messaging originator opt-in data or consent information for sharing with third parties unless explicitly stated and consented to separately.

3. How We Collect Your Information

We collect your information through the following methods:

• SMS Keyword Opt-In: You may text a designated keyword (e.g., "MRGDC" or "JOIN") to our short code or phone number (e.g., 55555) to subscribe.

• Web Form Opt-In: You may submit your phone number via a form on our website (e.g., www.mrgdc.org) with a checkbox explicitly agreeing to receive SMS messages.

• Double Opt-In Confirmation: Upon initial opt-in, we may send a confirmation message requiring you to reply with a keyword (e.g., "YES") to finalize your subscription.

4. How We Use Your Information

Your personal information is used solely for the following purposes:

• SMS Campaign Delivery: To send you messages related to economic development updates, events, promotions, or alerts as described at the time of opt-in.

• Compliance: To maintain records of your consent and opt-out requests as required by law.

• Service Improvement: To analyze campaign performance and improve our messaging services (data is anonymized for this purpose).

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Your data may be shared with trusted service providers (e.g., SMS platform providers) who assist us in delivering messages, but they are bound by confidentiality agreements and may only use your data to provide these services on our behalf.

5. Opt-In Process

To participate in our SMS Campaigns, you must provide prior express written consent. This can be achieved through:

• Text Message Opt-In: Send the keyword "MRGDC" to [insert short code or phone number, e.g., 55555]. You will receive a confirmation message such as:
  "Welcome to Middle Rio Grande Development Council SMS updates! Reply YES to confirm subscription. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for support. View our Privacy Policy at www.middleriograndeed.org/smsprivacy."
  Reply "YES" to complete the opt-in process.

• Web Form Opt-In: Complete the subscription form on our website, checking the box that states:
  "I agree to receive SMS messages from Middle Rio Grande Development Council regarding economic development updates and events. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. I can opt out at any time by texting STOP."

Message frequency will vary based on campaign activity, and we will disclose the nature of messages (e.g., promotional, informational) at the time of opt-in.

6. Opt-Out Process

You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time using the following methods:

• Text Message Opt-Out: Reply "STOP," "END," "CANCEL," "UNSUBSCRIBE," or "QUIT" to any SMS message from us. Upon receipt, you will receive a final confirmation message such as:
  "You have been unsubscribed from Middle Rio Grande Development Council SMS messages. No further messages will be sent. For help, email info@mrgdc.org."
  No additional messages will be sent after this confirmation unless you opt in again.

• Email Request: Send an opt-out request to info@mrgdc.org with your phone number and a statement requesting removal from our SMS list.

Opt-out requests are processed immediately, though it may take up to 24 hours for the change to fully take effect due to system synchronization.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption: Phone numbers and consent data are encrypted during transmission and storage using industry-standard protocols (e.g., AES-256).

• Access Controls: Only authorized personnel have access to your data, and access is restricted to purposes outlined in this policy.

• Secure Storage: Data is stored on secure servers with regular security audits.

Despite these measures, no system is entirely immune to unauthorized access. We will notify you promptly in the event of a data breach as required by law.

8. Data Retention and Deletion

• Retention: We retain your phone number and consent data for as long as you remain subscribed to our SMS Campaigns and for a period of 18 months thereafter to comply with legal record-keeping requirements.

• Deletion: Upon opting out, your phone number will be removed from active campaign lists immediately and fully deleted from our systems after the retention period, unless you request earlier deletion by emailing info@mrgdc.org

9. Contact Us

If you experience issues with our SMS Campaigns (e.g., unwanted messages, technical difficulties) or have questions about this Privacy Policy, please email us at:
info@mrgdc.org
We will respond to your inquiry within 5 business days.

​

11. Additional Disclosures

• Message and Data Rates: Standard message and data rates may apply as determined by your mobile carrier.

• Non-Condition of Purchase: Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services from Middle Rio Grande Development Council