Champaign illini networking group

Privacy Page

Last updated: November 27, 2025

Champaign Illini Networking Group, also known as CING, (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit https://cingconnect.com (the “Site”) or interact with us as a guest or member.

By using the Site, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are

CING is a business networking group serving the Champaign – Urbana, Illinois area. We bring together local professionals to build relationships, share referrals, and support our community. 

If you have questions about this policy, or about how we handle your information, you can contact us at:

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in a few main ways.

a. Information you provide directly

You may choose to provide information when you:

  • Submit a membership application

  • Create an account or log in to the member area or dashboard

  • Add or edit a business listing in the Directory

  • Use a weekly check in form or guest registration form for meetings

  • Contact us by email or through any form we provide

  • Join or interact with our communication channels, such as GroupMe, that are linked from the Site

This information may include:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Business name

  • Job title or role

  • Business address and other contact details

  • Website and social media links

  • Categories or services you offer

  • Your message and any other information you choose to share

If you are approved as a member and appear in the Directory, some of this information will be visible publicly on the Site, such as your business name, business contact details, location, and category. 

b. Information collected automatically

When you use the Site, we may automatically collect certain technical information, such as:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Device type and operating system

  • Pages you visit and links you click

  • Dates and times of visits

This information is typically collected through cookies and similar technologies and helps us understand how people use the Site so we can improve it.

c. Information from third parties

We may receive information about you from:

  • Form tools such as Google Forms, when you complete a check in or similar form hosted by Google

  • Directory and membership plugins that power business listings and member accounts

  • Communication tools such as GroupMe, when you choose to join or interact through those services

  • Analytics or security tools that help us keep the Site running smoothly and safely

Each of these services has its own privacy policy that controls how they collect and use your information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for purposes such as:

1. Membership and applications

  • Reviewing membership applications and contacting you about your status

  • Managing member records and eligibility

  • Adding approved members to the Directory and member resources, where applicable

2. Operating the Directory and member area

  • Creating and displaying business listings in the Directory
  • Allowing members to log in, manage profiles, and update their listings and preferences

3. Events and meetings

  • Tracking attendance and guest participation
    Coordinating weekly meetings, socials, and service opportunities

4. Communications

  • Responding to questions and messages
  • Sending you information about meetings, events, updates, and membership-related news

Sharing information about ways to get involved and stay connected

5. Site operations and improvement

  • Monitoring Site performance and security
  • Understanding how visitors use the Site to improve content and user experience

6. Legal and safety purposes

  • Protecting our rights, members, and community
  • Complying with legal obligations and responding to lawful requests

We do not sell your personal information.

4. Cookies And Similar Technologies

The Site may use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences

  • Support login and member functions

  • Keep the Directory and filters working correctly 

  • Analyze traffic and usage patterns

Some cookies may be set by third parties that provide services for us, such as analytics, security, or directory functionality. You can typically manage cookies through your browser settings. If you disable some cookies, certain features of the Site may not work as intended.

5. Member Accounts And Directory Listings

Member accounts

As a member, you may have an account that lets you log in, update your profile, and manage your listing through the member area or dashboard. 

You are responsible for keeping your login details confidential and for any activity that occurs under your account. If you believe your account has been compromised, please contact us.

Directory listings

The Directory exists to help people find and connect with CING members. By submitting or approving a business listing, you understand that certain information you provide will be publicly visible, including:

  • Business name

  • Business category

  • Location (for example, city or business address)

  • Business contact details such as phone number or business email

  • Links to your website or social media, if provided

If you want to update or remove your listing, you can request changes through your account tools or by contacting us directly.

6. Third-Party Tools And Services

Our Site may link to or rely on third-party services, for example:

  • Google Forms for check in or other forms

  • GroupMe for member messaging and coordination 

  • Calendar or events tools that power our event listings and live-updating calendar

  • Directory and membership plugins that power our business listings and member dashboards 

When you access or use these third-party services, their own privacy policies and terms apply. We do not control how these services collect, use, or protect your information.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you use.

7. How We Share Information

We may share information in limited ways:

  • Service providers and contractors who help us operate the Site, manage membership and events, host content, or provide technical support

  • Volunteers and leadership within CING who need information to review applications, organize meetings, or manage the group

  • Legal or safety purposes if required by law or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, enforce our policies, or protect others

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

8. Data Retention

We keep personal information only as long as we reasonably need it for:

  • Membership and application records

  • Directory listings and member accounts

  • Event and attendance tracking

  • Legal, accounting, or reporting requirements

When information is no longer needed, we may delete it, archive it, or keep it only in de-identified or aggregated form.

9. Security

We take reasonable steps to help protect your information from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access. These steps may include:

  • Working with reputable hosting and plugin providers

  • Limiting access to member data to those who need it for group operations

  • Using login controls for account-based features

No website can guarantee perfect security, but we aim to keep your information as safe as we reasonably can.

10. Your Rights And Choices

Depending on where you live, you may have certain rights relating to your personal information, such as the right to:

  • Access the information we hold about you

  • Request corrections or updates

  • Ask us to delete certain information, subject to our legal obligations

  • Limit certain types of processing or communication

You can:

  • Update your information through your member account tools, where available

  • Request changes or deletion by emailing us at info@cingconnect.com

  • Opt out of group emails by using unsubscribe options where provided or by contacting us

We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling some requests.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our Site and services are intended for adults and general business audiences. We do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13.

If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can review and address the situation.

12. Third-Party Links

The Site may include links to:

  • Member websites

  • Social media profiles

  • GroupMe and other communication tools

  • Other external sites with resources or event information 

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. Once you leave our Site, their policies and practices apply.

13. Changes To This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time as our Site, services, or legal requirements change.

When we make changes, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. In some cases, we may also provide an additional notice on the Site.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, contact us at:

  • Email: info@cingconnect.com

  • Location: Champaign – Urbana, IL 

You can also reach us using any contact details posted in the footer or contact section of the Site.