"It's not who you know, it's who knows you"
📜

Terms of Service

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Bryan Hughes Business Connections (BHBC), a business networking organization built on the values of trust, integrity, collaboration, and professionalism. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website, services, and membership. By accessing or using BHBC platforms or attending BHBC groups or events, you agree to these Terms.

2. Eligibility

To be a member or user of BHBC, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Operate a legitimate business or represent a professional field
  • Agree to abide by the BHBC Code of Ethics and Policies
  • Be approved by the BHBC Leadership Team
  • Remain in good standing with all dues and behavioral requirements

3. Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct

All members agree to uphold the BHBC Code of Ethics and Policies, including:

  • Delivering services/products as promised
  • Acting with honesty, follow-through, and accountability
  • Fostering goodwill, trust, and collaboration among members
  • Upholding your industry's ethical standards
  • Not soliciting members to outside exclusive groups if BHBC offers an equivalent category
  • Showing a positive, respectful, and inclusive attitude

Violations of this code may result in warnings, probation, suspension, or termination, at the sole discretion of BHBC Leadership.

4. Membership Terms

  • Termination: BHBC reserves the right to cancel or deny membership at any time, for any reason, without refund.
  • Multi-Group Membership: Members may join multiple groups and will be assigned tier status based on the number of paid memberships.
  • Tier Benefits: Higher tiers receive enhanced benefits including discounted additional groups, sponsorship opportunities, and exclusive access.

4.1 Membership Tier System

BHBC operates a tier-based membership system that provides enhanced benefits as members join additional groups:

  • Member Tier (1 group): Basic membership benefits and access to one networking group
  • Silver Tier (2 groups): Proud Partners directory listing and enhanced networking opportunities
  • Sapphire Tier (3 groups): Expanded networking reach across multiple groups
  • Emerald Tier (4 groups): Premium networking status with increased visibility
  • Gold Tier (5-9 groups): Free event sponsorship opportunities and discounted additional groups
  • Diamond Tier (10+ groups): Access to all 10 available groups, prime sponsorship opportunities, 2 VIP event tickets, website logo placement, and social media marketing exposure

Tier Calculation: Tiers are calculated based on paid memberships only. Tier status is updated automatically upon payment and may trigger upgrade reminder communications.

5. Meetings & Participation

Members are encouraged to actively participate in meetings, share referrals, and engage in one-on-one networking opportunities to maximize the value of their membership.

6. Fees & Payments

  • Membership Tiers: BHBC offers multiple membership tiers with varying benefits and pricing based on the number of groups joined.
  • Multi-Group Discounts: Groups 6+ receive discounted pricing after reaching Gold tier status.
  • Diamond Benefits: Diamond members receive access to all available groups, event sponsorship opportunities, VIP event tickets, and enhanced marketing exposure.
  • Processing Fees: A convenience fee is added to all transactions. Some members may have fee waivers applied to their accounts.
  • Late Fees: A $10 late fee is automatically added for payments 35+ days overdue.
  • Renewal Reminders: Renewal reminder emails are sent 30 days before expiration with pricing details and upgrade options. To upgrade or join additional groups before renewal, contact Bryan at (610) 937-4770 or bryan@bryanhughes.biz. Late renewals calculate next billing from the original due date.
  • Non-Refundable: All fees are strictly non-refundable regardless of participation, cancellation, or removal.
  • Recurring Billing: By submitting your payment information, you agree to automatic recurring charges via our secure payment processor (NMI).
  • Billing Failures: If your payment fails or is reversed, your membership may be suspended immediately until resolved.
  • Payment Methods: We accept credit cards and ACH/bank transfers through our secure payment gateway.

6.1 Late Fee Policy

To ensure timely payment of membership fees and maintain fair treatment for all members, BHBC implements the following late fee policy:

  • Late Fee Amount: $10.00 is automatically added to any payment that is 35 or more days past the due date
  • Automatic Application: Late fees are calculated and applied automatically when processing overdue payments
  • Payment Processing: When paying an overdue membership, the total amount will include the base membership fee, any applicable convenience fee, and the $10 late fee
  • Billing Date Calculation: For renewal payments, the next billing date is calculated from the original due date (no free days granted for late payment)
  • Record Keeping: All late fees applied are tracked in your membership record for transparency and accounting purposes
  • No Waiver: Late fees are applied consistently to all members and cannot be waived or reversed once a payment becomes 35+ days overdue

Example: If your membership expires on January 1st and you don't pay until February 10th (40 days late), your renewal payment will include the base membership fee ($275), convenience fee (if applicable), and a $10 late fee.

7. Website Use & Intellectual Property

  • BHBC owns all content, software, and visual elements of the site.
  • You may not reproduce, alter, or use BHBC branding or content without written permission.
  • You may not use the site or services for unlawful, harmful, harassing, or misleading activities.

8. Data & Privacy

  • BHBC collects, stores, and uses personal data according to its Privacy Policy.
  • We partner with trusted providers including Firebase, Vercel, NMI, SendGrid, EmailJS, Puppeteer, and Google Analytics.
  • Members agree to receive communications by email, phone, and text, and may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.
  • Automated Communications: You will receive automated emails including payment receipts, renewal reminders, meeting notifications, and tier upgrade opportunities.
  • Payment Receipts: PDF receipts are automatically generated and emailed after successful payments.
  • Meeting Reminders: Daily automated reminders are sent at 7:30 AM EST for next day's meetings.

9. Disclaimers

  • BHBC makes no guarantees about the business outcomes or referrals generated through membership.
  • Meetings and referrals are opportunities, not guarantees of business.
  • Use of our services is at your own risk.

10. Limitations of Liability

  • BHBC and its affiliates will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
  • Total liability to any member is limited to the most recent membership fee paid.

11. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BHBC, its leadership, staff, and partners from any claims arising from your participation, actions, or use of the services.

12. Anti-Discrimination & Inclusion Policy

BHBC is committed to providing an inclusive environment free from discrimination. We welcome members regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated and may result in immediate termination.

13. Referral & Business Ethics

  • Quality Standards: All referrals should be made in good faith with reasonable expectation of quality service
  • Follow-Up Responsibility: Members are expected to follow up on referrals given and received
  • Conflict Resolution: Business disputes between members should be addressed professionally and may involve BHBC mediation
  • Non-Compete: Members may not actively recruit other members to competing networking organizations during their membership

14. Automated Systems & Technology

  • Membership Synchronization: Automated systems run every 5 minutes to sync membership data and ensure accurate billing
  • Payment Processing: Secure automated payment processing through PCI-compliant systems
  • Communication Systems: Automated email delivery for receipts, reminders, and notifications
  • Outage Handling: Systems include retry logic and outage detection for service disruptions
  • Data Backup: Regular automated backups ensure data protection and recovery capabilities

While we strive for 100% uptime, technology systems may occasionally experience disruptions. We will work promptly to resolve any issues and communicate with members as needed.

15. Force Majeure

BHBC shall not be liable for any failure to perform due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government actions, pandemics, technology outages, or other acts of God. During such events, meetings may be conducted virtually or postponed without refund.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The unenforceable provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable.

17. Modifications to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or business operations. For material changes, we will provide 30 days advance notice via email or prominent site posting. Continued use after the effective date constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

18. Termination

  • BHBC may terminate access or membership at any time, with or without cause, including for violations of these Terms or the Code of Ethics
  • You may cancel your membership at any time by contacting bryan@bryanhughes.biz, but no refunds will be issued
  • Upon termination, all content and access privileges will be removed immediately
  • Automatic Subscription Cancellation: Terminated members' recurring subscriptions will be automatically cancelled to prevent future charges

19. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your membership shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration in Bucks County, PA, or in the federal or state courts located in Bucks County, PA.

20. Contact Information

Bryan Hughes Business Connections

📧 bryan@bryanhughes.biz
📞 (610) 937-4770
🌐 https://bryanhughes.biz

For legal matters, disputes, or Terms questions:
Bryan Hughes
Bryan Hughes Business Connections
Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Response Time: We will respond to inquiries within 2-3 business days.