Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce / Policies & Agreements
Terms & Conditions.
Clear policies for membership, events, programs, directory purchases, and use of Chamber services. Select a section below to find the information relevant to you.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Section 01 / Website Use
General Website Terms.
The conditions governing access to and use of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce website and its online resources.
Agreement to Terms
The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce ("VABCC" or "Chamber") operates this website and related online resources. By accessing or using these resources, you agree to the applicable Terms and Conditions.
If you do not agree to these terms, please discontinue use of the website and services.
Privacy
Your use of the website is also subject to the Chamber's Privacy Policy, which explains applicable practices for collecting, using, and handling information.
Electronic Communications
Visiting the website, submitting online forms, or communicating with the Chamber electronically may constitute electronic communications.
You agree that agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications provided electronically may satisfy applicable written communication requirements, to the extent permitted by law.
Accounts & Security
Users with online accounts are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials and restricting unauthorized access.
Accounts may not be assigned or transferred without authorization. The Chamber may restrict or terminate access in accordance with these terms and applicable law.
Children & Minors
The Chamber does not knowingly collect personal information from children under age 13. Individuals under 18 should use the website with permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Website Information
The Chamber works to maintain accurate information, but business listings, prices, program details, and other website content may contain errors or become outdated.
We may correct inaccuracies, update information, and change available offerings as needed, subject to applicable law and existing purchase obligations.
Third-Party Websites
The website may link to external services, businesses, payment processors, event platforms, and other third parties.
The Chamber does not control external websites and is not responsible for their independent content, practices, or changes. A link does not automatically constitute an endorsement.
Third-Party Service Providers
Certain online functions may be provided through authorized vendors or service partners. Information necessary to deliver a requested service may be shared with those providers in accordance with applicable privacy practices and agreements.
Acceptable Use & Intellectual Property
Users receive a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable right to access the website in accordance with these terms.
You may not use the website for unlawful purposes; interfere with its operation; obtain information through unauthorized means; or reproduce, modify, redistribute, reverse engineer, or commercially exploit protected website content without the necessary permission.
Chamber and directory names, logos, artwork, photographs, written content, compilations, and other protected materials remain the property of their respective owners. Website use does not convey ownership of those materials.
International Access
The Chamber operates from the United States. Visitors accessing the website from other jurisdictions are responsible for complying with applicable local laws and restrictions.
Section 02 / Chamber Membership
Membership & Payment Terms.
Membership is an annual commitment. Payment plans offer flexibility in how annual dues are paid; they do not establish a month-to-month membership.
01. Membership Term
All Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce memberships are for a 12-month annual term beginning on the date of enrollment.
Enrollment constitutes a commitment to the full annual membership fee. Membership begins when payment is received, subject to applicable enrollment and account requirements.
02. Membership Benefits
Membership may include access to Chamber programs, events, resources, networking, and eligible business visibility opportunities, including applicable public online directory listings.
Inclusion in a particular printed directory edition is subject to publication deadlines, eligibility, information verification, and production requirements.
03. Payment Plans
Payment plans are offered as a convenience and represent installments toward the full annual membership fee.
Selecting an installment schedule does not create a monthly membership or eliminate the remaining annual obligation if the member cancels early.
Under the Chamber's published policy, any unpaid annual balance becomes due upon early cancellation.
04. Automatic Payments
Members who authorize a payment plan permit the Chamber to charge their designated payment method for scheduled installments.
If payment fails, the member must update the payment method within seven days. The Chamber may attempt to collect overdue amounts using an authorized payment method and may suspend benefits while an account remains past due.
05. Membership Cancellation
Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to info@vablackchamber.org .
Cancellation stops future renewals but does not cancel or refund amounts owed for the current annual term.
06. Automatic Renewal
Membership automatically renews annually unless the member submits a written cancellation at least 30 days before the renewal date.
Renewal notices, payment authorizations, and cancellation practices remain subject to applicable consumer and automatic-renewal laws.
07. Membership Refunds
Membership dues are non-refundable under the Chamber's current policy, except where applicable law requires otherwise.
This applies to annual dues, installment payments, and nonuse of available benefits. Any separately purchased event, sponsorship, or other offering is governed by its applicable purchase terms.
08. Payment Disputes
Members should contact the Chamber promptly to seek resolution of billing concerns.
Under the existing membership agreement, a disputed payment does not automatically eliminate a valid unpaid annual balance. The Chamber reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership, pursue lawful collection, or review eligibility for future services.
Nothing in this section removes any non-waivable payment-dispute rights available under applicable law.
Important: This membership policy is separate from the rules governing physical directory purchases, event registrations, and other individually purchased services.
Section 03 / Registration & Services
Events, Programs & Services.
Registration and payment policies for Chamber events, workshops, conferences, webinars, courses, master classes, accelerators, and other services.
01. Registration & Payment
Registration or payment is required for programs and services identified as paid offerings. Participants are responsible for reviewing program details, eligibility requirements, dates, and participation conditions before completing registration.
02. No-Refund Policy
Under the Chamber's published policy, payments for events, workshops, webinars, courses, master classes, accelerator programs, and related services are non-refundable, except as otherwise expressly stated for the offering or required by applicable law.
03. Registration Transfers
If a participant cannot attend a workshop, webinar, or master class, a request to transfer registration to another person must be submitted in writing at least 48 hours before the scheduled event.
Transfers are subject to approval and availability. Other event types may have additional registration rules.
04. Cancellations & Rescheduling
If the Chamber cancels or reschedules a workshop, webinar, or master class, registered participants will be notified.
The existing policy provides the option of attending the rescheduled offering or applying payment toward a future Chamber event or service of equal value. Any refund rights required by applicable law remain in effect.
05. Digital Content
Payments for access to digital content, recordings, and delivered digital services are non-refundable once access or delivery has occurred, except where required by law or otherwise expressly stated.
Participants are responsible for meeting relevant technical requirements when disclosed.
06. Exceptional Circumstances
Requests for exceptions to the published no-refund policy must be submitted in writing. The Chamber reviews such requests individually.
Any discretionary exception is subject to approval. This does not restrict remedies required by law.
Policy distinction: These event and program terms do not replace the separate shipping, cancellation, and refund terms for physical directory purchases.
Section 04 / Printed Publications
Directory Shipping,
Pickup & Preorders.
Purchasing the sixth edition of the Virginia Black Business Directory? Please review these terms before completing checkout.
01. What You Are Purchasing
Individual presales are for one printed softcover copy of the 2026 Virginia Black Business Directory, Sixth Edition, per transaction.
A preorder reserves a copy for future fulfillment. Successful payment does not indicate immediate availability for shipment or pickup.
02. Production & Availability
November 27, 2026, is the target first-printing sales launch, not a guaranteed shipment or delivery date.
Customers must be provided with an expected fulfillment timeframe before purchase. Production and fulfillment are subject to the actual printing schedule.
03. Shipping Charges
Shipping charges and any applicable taxes are displayed during secure Stripe checkout before payment is completed.
The available destinations and shipping methods are those offered at checkout.
04. Shipping Addresses
Customers are responsible for providing complete and accurate shipping information.
If an address problem is identified before fulfillment, the Chamber may contact the purchaser to request correction. Any additional charge will be disclosed before collection.
05. Local Pickup
Customers who select the separate local-pickup checkout will receive pickup instructions once their directory is ready.
The Chamber will communicate the confirmed location and pickup arrangements directly. Please do not travel for pickup until receiving confirmation.
06. Production & Shipping Delays
If the Chamber cannot ship merchandise within the timeframe disclosed at purchase, affected customers will receive notice and applicable options to agree to a revised shipment date or cancel for a prompt refund, consistent with law.
An expected publication launch date should not be interpreted as a guaranteed arrival date.
07. Damaged or Incorrect Orders
Customers receiving a damaged or incorrect directory should contact the Chamber with their order number and a description of the issue.
Photographs may be requested to assist in evaluating damage. The Chamber will review the issue and arrange an appropriate resolution consistent with applicable law and the circumstances.
08. Cancellations & Refunds
Customers may request cancellation before shipment by contacting the Chamber.
Requests are subject to the applicable purchase conditions and consumer protection laws. Required remedies for delayed, unshipped, incorrect, or undeliverable merchandise are not restricted by the separate membership or event no-refund policies.
09. Orders of 10 or More
Orders of 10 or more copies are available through individual inquiry rather than immediate bulk checkout.
Pricing, quantity, production timing, payment, and delivery arrangements will be reviewed and confirmed before an order is accepted.
10. Other Retailers
Expanded distribution through BookBaby and Amazon is planned for Black History Month 2027, subject to acceptance, production, and availability.
Orders placed through independent retailers may be subject to that retailer's own purchase, shipping, and return policies.
Need help with an order? Please provide your Stripe receipt or order number and the email address used at checkout.
Section 05 / Text Messaging
Mobile Messaging Terms.
Information about the Chamber's text messaging program, consent, message frequency, opt-out instructions, and support.
01. Program Description
The Chamber may send promotional and transactional mobile messages. Promotional messages may address events, programs, services, opportunities, and offers.
Transactional messages may relate to registrations, orders, reminders, and ongoing services. Messages may be transmitted using automated technology where authorized.
02. Frequency & Charges
Under the Chamber's currently published program terms, message frequency varies and will not exceed three messages per month.
The Chamber does not separately charge recipients for text messages, but wireless carrier message and data rates may apply.
03. Voluntary Consent
Participation in the mobile messaging program is voluntary. Consent to promotional messaging is not required as a condition of purchasing Chamber products or services.
By opting in, you confirm that you own or are authorized to use the mobile number provided. Consent is subject to applicable law and the method by which it was obtained.
04. Opting Out
You may opt out of the messaging program at any time by replying STOP to a program message.
The current program also identifies QUIT, CANCEL, OPT-OUT, and UNSUBSCRIBE as opt-out keywords. You may receive a final confirmation message after an opt-out request.
05. Help & Support
Reply HELP to a program message for assistance.
If your phone number changes or you no longer have authority to use it, notify the Chamber at info@vablackchamber.org .
06. Service Availability
Mobile messages may be delayed or unavailable due to network conditions, device settings, carrier restrictions, or service interruptions.
The program is provided subject to applicable service limitations and law.
07. Changes to the Messaging Program
The Chamber may modify or discontinue its messaging program, including its communication numbers, features, and published terms, subject to applicable law and required notices.
Please review the Privacy Policy for information about personal-data handling.
Section 06 / Legal Provisions
Additional Legal Policies.
Additional conditions concerning informational resources, liability, dispute resolution, website access, and interpretation of these terms.
01. Grant Information
The Chamber may share information about grants and other funding opportunities. Unless explicitly identified otherwise, VABCC does not administer the listed programs or control their applications, eligibility decisions, or awards.
Funding information is provided for general informational purposes. Applicants are responsible for verifying eligibility, deadlines, program rules, fees, and other requirements with the administering organization.
Inclusion of a program does not constitute a guarantee of eligibility, funding, approval, or endorsement.
02. Third-Party Information
Business listings, member submissions, funding notices, and other third-party materials may be updated or changed without notice.
The Chamber does not warrant that all third-party content is accurate, current, complete, or appropriate for a particular user's circumstances.
Users should independently verify material information before making business, financial, or legal decisions.
03. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Chamber and its authorized suppliers disclaim warranties concerning the uninterrupted availability, suitability, timeliness, reliability, and accuracy of website information and related online services.
To the extent permitted by law, liability for indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising from website use is limited as provided by the applicable agreement.
These disclaimers do not exclude liability or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded.
04. Indemnification
To the extent permitted by law, users agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Chamber, the Virginia Black Business Directory, their officers, directors, employees, agents, and authorized representatives from covered claims, losses, liabilities, and reasonable expenses arising from unlawful website activity, violation of these terms, or infringement of third-party rights.
The Chamber may assume the defense of a covered matter, with reasonable cooperation from the user.
05. Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
The existing terms provide that disputes arising out of or concerning the agreement are to be resolved through final and binding individual arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act.
The agreement specifies one neutral arbitrator, administration by the American Arbitration Association or another mutually selected arbitration service, and a location agreed upon by the parties.
It also provides that the arbitrator determines issues concerning the arbitration provision's interpretation and enforceability, and that the arbitration provision survives termination.
The current agreement contains a prevailing-party attorney-fee provision. Any recovery of fees or enforcement of arbitration remains subject to applicable law and the enforceability of the relevant provisions.
06. Class-Action Waiver
Under the currently published agreement, covered arbitration is conducted on an individual basis rather than as a class, collective, representative, or consolidated proceeding, except as otherwise agreed or required by applicable law.
The current agreement also limits the arbitrator's authority to consolidate claims of different individuals without the parties' consent.
07. Governing Law
The agreement is governed by applicable federal law and the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, to the extent permitted.
The existing agreement identifies Virginia courts for matters appropriately brought before a court, subject to the arbitration provisions and applicable law.
08. Website Access & Termination
The Chamber reserves the right to restrict or terminate website access and related services in accordance with applicable law and contractual obligations.
Use of the website does not create an employment, partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between the user and the Chamber.
09. Severability
If a provision is found unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect to the extent permitted by applicable law.
10. Entire Agreement
Unless otherwise specified, these Terms and Conditions, together with applicable supplemental purchase and service agreements, govern the covered use of the website.
These terms do not eliminate rights or obligations that cannot be waived under law.
11. Changes to These Terms
The Chamber may update these Terms and Conditions. The current published version will state its effective or last-updated date.
Changes to agreements already accepted, existing purchases, or ongoing services will be subject to the terms of the applicable agreement and any notice or consent required by law.
Legal review: The arbitration, class-action waiver, indemnification, fee-shifting, and liability provisions should be reviewed as contractual language before publishing this replacement.
Section 07 / Questions & Assistance
Contact & Support.
Have a question about membership, an event registration, a directory purchase, or these policies? We're here to help you find the right information.
Chamber Headquarters
317 William Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Please contact the Chamber before visiting for order-related assistance or directory pickup.
Directory Order Support
For a shipping, pickup, cancellation, or delivery inquiry, please provide your purchase email, Stripe receipt or order number, and a description of the issue.
Membership Questions
For membership billing, renewals, payment plans, and cancellation requests, contact the Chamber in writing.
Send Us a Message
Use our online contact form to submit your question or request assistance.
Contact the Chamber