Effective Date: August 22, 2025
Last Updated: August 22, 2025
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferences and actions, which can make your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.
How We Use Cookies
At nEtowah, we use cookies to improve your experience on our website and to help us understand how our directory service is being used by our community in Etowah County.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
What they do:
- Remember your preferences during your visit
- Maintain security and prevent fraud
- Enable basic website functionality
- Remember items in forms you’re filling out
Examples:
- Session cookies that keep you logged in while browsing
- Security cookies that protect against malicious attacks
- Cookies that remember your language preferences
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
What they do:
- Count the number of visitors to our site
- See which pages are most popular
- Track how people navigate through our directory
- Identify technical issues or areas for improvement
- Help us understand peak usage times
Information collected:
- Page views and session duration
- Geographic location (general area, not specific address)
- Browser and device information
- Referring websites
- Search terms used (if any)
Functional Cookies
These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your choices and preferences.
What they do:
- Remember your location preferences for local searches
- Save your newsletter subscription preferences
- Remember if you’ve dismissed certain notifications
- Store accessibility preferences (text size, contrast settings)
Examples:
- Cookies that remember you’ve already subscribed to our newsletter
- Cookies that store your preferred view settings for listings
- Cookies that remember your feedback on listing accuracy
Third-Party Cookies
We may use services from trusted third parties that set their own cookies.
Common third-party services we may use:
- Google Analytics – To understand website usage patterns
- Google Maps – For displaying business locations
- Social Media Widgets – For sharing listings on Facebook, Instagram, etc.
- Email Services – For newsletter management and communications
Note: These third-party services have their own cookie policies, which we encourage you to review.
Cookie Duration
Session Cookies
- Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
- Used for essential functions during your visit
Persistent Cookies
- Remain on your device for a set period (typically 30 days to 2 years)
- Used to remember your preferences between visits
- Help us analyze long-term usage patterns
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You have several options for controlling cookies:
Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to:
- View and delete existing cookies
- Block all cookies from all websites
- Block cookies from specific websites
- Block third-party cookies only
- Get notified when cookies are being set
How to access cookie settings in popular browsers:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
Impact of Disabling Cookies
If you choose to disable cookies, please note that:
- Some features of our website may not work properly
- You may need to re-enter information more frequently
- Your experience may be less personalized
- We may not be able to remember your preferences
Cookie Consent
When you first visit our website, we may display a cookie consent banner. You can:
- Accept all cookies for the best experience
- Customize your cookie preferences
- Decline non-essential cookies (though this may limit functionality)
Cookies We Do NOT Use
We do not use cookies for:
- Tracking your personal identity without your knowledge
- Selling your information to third parties
- Invasive behavioral advertising
- Storing sensitive personal information like passwords or payment details
Updates to Our Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:
- Changes in our use of cookies
- New features on our website
- Updates to cookie technology
- Changes in legal requirements
When we make significant changes, we will:
- Update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
- Notify newsletter subscribers if the changes are substantial
- Display a notification on our website for a reasonable period
Your Rights
Under applicable privacy laws, you may have the right to:
- Know what cookies we use and why
- Access information about your cookie preferences
- Withdraw consent for non-essential cookies
- Request deletion of cookies (though this can be done through your browser)
Local Focus and Community Commitment
As a local directory serving Gadsden, Attalla, Rainbow City, Southside, Glencoe, Hokes Bluff, and Sardis City, we are committed to using cookies responsibly and transparently. Our goal is to improve your experience discovering local businesses and services while respecting your privacy.
Contact Us About Cookies
If you have questions about our use of cookies or need help managing your cookie preferences, please contact us:
Email: netowah [at] gmail [dot] com
Subject Line: Cookie Policy Question
We’re happy to help you understand how we use cookies and assist with any concerns you may have.
Related Policies
This Cookie Policy should be read alongside our:
- [Privacy Policy] – How we handle your personal information
- [Terms of Service] – The rules for using our website
Technical Information
Cookies we may use include:
- HTTP cookies (standard web cookies)
- Local storage objects
- Web beacons/pixels (small transparent images)
- JavaScript-based tracking
All cookies comply with applicable privacy regulations and are designed to enhance your experience using our local directory service.
This Cookie Policy is part of our commitment to transparency and privacy for the Etowah County community. We strive to balance providing you with a great user experience while protecting your privacy rights.