Elevate & Align Co. - Privacy Policy, Terms, and Legal Notices
(Effective October 2025)

At Elevate & Align Co., I believe that structure protects culture - and that extends to how I protect your data.
This page explains how I collect, use, and safeguard your information when you interact with me or visit my website.

I keep things simple:
• I collect only what’s necessary to respond to inquiries, improve your experience, and maintain a secure website.
• I never sell or share your personal information for marketing purposes.
• I use secure systems and trusted partners to protect your data.
• I comply with all applicable data-protection and privacy laws, including GDPR, CCPA, and other U.S. state-specific regulations.

I also use modern AI-assisted tools to polish and refine original ideas. These tools never access or store client data directly. Any insights derived are used solely to enhance the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of my work.

If you have questions about this policy or how your information is handled, please contact me directly at heather@elevatealignco.com.

I collect personal and technical information in two ways:

a. Information You Provide Voluntarily:
When you fill out a contact form, subscribe to updates, or email me directly, I may collect:
• Name
• Email address
• Company name (if applicable)
• Any other information you choose to share voluntarily

b. Information Collected Automatically:
When you visit the website, analytics tools may automatically collect:
• IP address and device type
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on each
• Referring websites or search terms

This data helps me understand how visitors interact with the site so I can improve usability and performance.

Depending on your interaction, I may collect:
• Identifiers: name, email address, IP address
• Professional information: company or role (if you include them)
• Usage data: page views, site behavior, browser/device type

I do not collect sensitive personal data through this website.

If GDPR or UK GDPR applies, I process data under one or more of these legal bases:
• Consent - when you opt in to updates or contact me directly.
• Contract - when data is necessary to respond to inquiries or perform requested services.
• Legitimate interests - to operate and improve the site.
• Legal obligation - to comply with recordkeeping or regulatory requirements.

I use data only when I have a legitimate business reason to do so. That includes:
• Responding to inquiries or requests
• Operating, maintaining, and improving the website
• Analyzing site trends and engagement
• Sending updates or communications you’ve opted into
• Complying with legal obligations

I do not sell, rent, or trade your information.

I retain information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose it was collected for, to comply with legal obligations, or maintain reasonable business records. Once it’s no longer required, it is deleted or anonymized (permanently stripped of identifying details).

I use commercially reasonable measures - including encrypted hosting, SSL, and secure systems - to protect your data from loss or misuse. While no online system is completely secure, I take appropriate precautions and work only with reputable providers.

You are responsible for securing your own passwords and devices when communicating online.

Cookies are small files that help websites function efficiently. I use:
• Essential cookies - for basic site operation and security
• Analytics cookies - to understand general usage patterns via Google Analytics

EU/UK visitors will see a cookie banner that allows acceptance, rejection, or preference management.

Opt-out of Analytics: You can install the Google Analytics opt-out add-on at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout/.

Do Not Track: This site does not currently respond to browser-based DNT signals, but you can adjust cookie settings directly in your browser.

I may use trusted partners to help operate my business, such as:
• Secure web hosting providers
• Google Analytics (for traffic insights)
• Email platforms (for newsletters or client communication)

These partners receive only the minimum information required to perform their services and are contractually obligated to protect it.
Your data may be processed in the United States. Where required, I take appropriate measures to ensure equivalent protection for international transfers.

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
• Access, correct, or delete your personal information
• Object to or restrict processing
• Withdraw consent for communications
• Request a portable copy of your data
• File a complaint with a regulatory authority

To exercise these rights, email heather@elevatealignco.com. I’ll respond within 30 days or as required by law.

California/US State Residents: You may have additional rights under state privacy laws. I do not sell or share your data for cross-context behavioral advertising.

EU/UK Visitors: You may also lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

I may disclose personal data:
• To comply with legal obligations or court orders
• To protect the rights, safety, or property of myself or others
• As part of a merger, acquisition, or asset transfer

If Elevate & Align Co. is ever acquired, your data would transfer under the same privacy commitments.

I use AI-assisted technologies responsibly to polish and refine original ideas. I do not upload client materials into AI platforms, and I review all outputs before publication or implementation.

This website is not directed to children under 13. I do not knowingly collect information from minors. If a parent or guardian believes a child has provided personal data, please contact me for removal.

This website may include links to other sites for reference. I’m not responsible for their content or privacy practices and encourage you to review their policies separately.

I may update this policy periodically. When I do, I’ll post the revised version here and update the effective date at the top. Significant changes may include a website notice or email alert. Continued use of the site means you accept the updated policy.

By accessing or using this website, you agree to comply with these Terms of Service and all applicable laws.
The website content is provided “as is.” While I strive for accuracy, I cannot guarantee completeness or timeliness and am not responsible for losses arising from its use.
I reserve the right to modify or remove content, update policies, or change site functionality at any time without prior notice.

All text, graphics, and content on this site are the intellectual property of Elevate & Align Co. You may share limited excerpts for personal, non-commercial use, but you may not reproduce, sell, or distribute materials without written consent.

You agree not to:
• Post or transmit unlawful, harmful, or defamatory material
• Attempt unauthorized access to systems or data
• Use bots or scripts to scrape or harvest information
• Represent yourself as Elevate & Align Co. or misuse brand assets

Violations may result in restricted access or legal action.

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of North Carolina, United States.
Any disputes will be handled exclusively in the courts located within North Carolina.

The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or financial advice.
I make reasonable efforts to keep content current and accurate but cannot guarantee completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
Use of this website or its content is at your own risk. For advice tailored to your business, please consult a qualified professional.

I’m committed to maintaining an accessible website consistent with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
If you experience any difficulty accessing content, please contact heather@elevatealignco.com with “Accessibility” in the subject line.
I’ll provide the requested information in an alternative format and address any accessibility barriers promptly.

All Rights Reserved.
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