Terms and Conditions

Agreement between User and www.americangrade.us

Welcome to www.americangrade.us. The www.americangrade.us website (the “Site”) is comprised of various web pages operated by Americans For USA, Inc. dba American Grade^®. The Site is offered to you conditioned on your acceptance without modification of the terms, conditions, and notices contained herein (the “Terms”). Your use of www.americangrade.us constitutes your agreement to all such Terms. Please read these Terms carefully and keep a copy for your records.

Service

The Site offers users (individuals or businesses) the opportunity to be socially responsible citizens and register as (“Stewards”), and provides a common recognition of that dedication through the display of the American Grade Steward Logo. The Site offers a way to easily identify businesses that support the American Grade "Be a Steward" Initiative.

Use of Services

1. Eligibility. You must be 18 years of age or older to use the Site. Any information you submit to us, including any profile information you submit, shall be true and accurate. You represent truthfully that you are 18 years of age or older and are fully able and competent to enter into, accept, and perform these Terms. You understand and accept that the Site is not intended for those under the age of 18. Use of the Service is void where prohibited.
2. Authority. If representing a business entity, by registering, you certify you are legally authorized to make statements and/or contracts on behalf of the entity you are representing and are legally authorized to accept these Terms on behalf of the business entity. If accessing an account(s) on behalf of an account owner, as an administrator, consultant, or analyst, etc., the Terms apply to your activities as if you were the account owner.
3. Location. American Grade Services and the Site are intended to be used by residents of the United States of America from within the U.S. By using these Services, you agree you understand this intent and agree the Site does not intend to comply with any law(s) of any country other than the U.S. You also agree American Grade is not liable for any law outside the U.S.
4. Member Conduct. You agree not to use the Site to:
   1. obtain or attempt to obtain unauthorized access to any service or to our servers, systems, network, or data;
   2. upload or post any material or content that is harmful to children, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar/obscene, libelous, invasive of another's privacy, hateful, or racially, ethnically, or otherwise objectionable;
   3. violate any applicable laws or regulations or the Community Guidelines;
   4. misrepresent your identity or the identity of the business entity you represent or disguise the origin of any content transmitted through the site or its servers, systems, or networks;
   5. post or upload any content with advertisements or solicitations of any kind without prior written permission from American Grade;
   6. upload or distribute viruses or any software, files, or content designed to interrupt, destroy, or limit the functionality of the Site or affect other users or interfere with or disrupt the services or servers, systems or networks connected to the Site in any way.
5. Ownership. Use of the Site does not give you ownership of any intellectual or other property rights or interests in the Site or any content you access. You must not use any branding or logos used in the Site unless we have given you separate explicit written permission. Unless you have explicit written permission, you must not reproduce, modify, rent, lease, sell, trade, distribute, transmit, broadcast, or create derivative works based on, or exploit for any commercial purposes, any portion or use of, or access to, the Site.
6. Fees. We reserve the right to charge fees for use of or access to the Site, whether currently in existence or not, in our sole discretion. If we decide to charge fees, our payment terms will apply and we will provide you with prior notice.

Accounts

1. Requirement. Some services associated with the Site may require an account to access them. The accuracy and truthfulness of your account information is your responsibility. You have the responsibility to ensure your account information is current and complete.
2. Business Accounts. An account is directly associated with an email address whether this email address belongs to a business entity or an individual. Business accounts are those accounts that have a business attached or associated with them within the Site. Creating a business account is as simple as adding a business to an account. This will allow certain functionality only accessible by businesses. The absence of an attached business will remove functionality associated with businesses.

Link to other Websites

This website may contain links to other third-party websites. If you decide to access a linked third-party website, you do so at your own risk. These links are provided solely as a convenience to you and not as an endorsement by American Grade of the contents on such third-party websites. American Grade is not responsible for the content of linked third-party sites and does not make any representations regarding the content or accuracy of materials on such third-party websites. We encourage our users who visit external sites from links within www.americangrade.us to read the privacy statements of those sites, as their privacy practices may differ from ours and will govern their use of your information.

Privacy

Your use of the Site is subject to American Grade's Privacy Policy. Please review the Privacy Policy that governs the Site and informs users of our data collection and use practices.

Electronic Communication

Visiting www.americangrade.us, registering as an American Grade Steward, or sending emails to American Grade constitute electronic communications. By doing so, you consent to receive electronic communications and you agree all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other legal communications we provide electronically, via email and on the Site, satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

Intellectual Property Rights

1. American Grade Property Rights. Any and all intellectual property rights ("Intellectual Property") associated with the Site and its contents are the sole property of American Grade, its affiliates or third parties. All custom graphics, icons, and other items appearing on the Site are Intellectual Property of American Grade, its affiliates, or other entities that have granted American Grade the right and license for use and may not be used or interfered with in any manner without the express written consent of American Grade. Except as otherwise expressly authorized by these Terms, you may not copy, reproduce, modify, lease, loan, sell, or create derivative works from, upload, transmit, or distribute the Intellectual Property of the Site in any way without American Grade's or the appropriate third party's prior written permission. Except as expressly provided herein, American Grade does not grant to you any express or implied rights to American Grade's or any third party's Intellectual Property.
2. Content. The site can and will display content in images, stories, etc. that American Grade did not produce and does not own. This property is the sole property of the person who submits the material to the Site. You are solely responsible, not American Grade, for any content you submit, publish, upload, or post to the Site. Although American Grade may not explicitly monitor all content you post, American Grade may remove or refuse to display any content that violates applicable law or these Terms.
3. Your Property Rights. We respect the intellectual property rights of others. By using this Site, you certify any photo, story, blog, etc. you upload or post is your direct property and you have the legal right to share that information with American Grade through the Site. If you believe your or someone else's property rights have been violated, please contact American Grade immediately through the contact information in these Terms.
4. Rights and Grant of License. Except as explicitly identified with a product or service, when you upload, submit, post, etc. any content to the Site, you retain any ownership of intellectual property you currently hold for that material. By submitting, uploading, transmitting, or posting any content to the Site, you also grant American Grade irrevocable, world-wide, perpetual licensure to post, host, store, modify, reproduce, publicly display, make derivative works, publish, or distribute in any manner known or not yet known. You must also have the necessary legal right to grant American Grade these rights to upload, submit, or post any content on the Site.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by American Grade^SM and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, American Grade takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.

License and Use of Material

As an American Grade Steward, you are granted certain licensure rights to use and display the American Grade logos, trademarks, or property. Please refer to the License and Use of Material Policy for complete understanding of those terms and conditions.

Accessibility Statement

American Grade is committed to making our website usable by all people by meeting or exceeding the requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Level AA (WCAG 2.0 AA). Please be aware that our efforts are ongoing as we implement over time. If you have specific questions or concerns about the accessibility of this site or need assistance in using the processes found within this site, please contact us at support@americangrade.us . If you do encounter an accessibility issue, please be sure to specify the Web page and we will make all reasonable efforts to make that page accessible.

Changes to Terms

American Grade reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to alter the Terms under which www.americangrade.us is offered. The most current version of the Terms will supersede all other versions. American Grade encourages you to periodically review the Terms to stay informed of updates.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States of America and the State of Kentucky.

Contact Us

American Grade welcomes your questions and comments regarding the Terms. You may reach us by email at: support@americangrade.us , or you may write to us at:
American Grade
P.O. Box 99552
Louisville, KY 40269

Privacy Policy

General

At American Grade, we take your privacy and concerns about the collection and use of your data seriously. This Privacy Policy is meant to help you understand what data we collect, why we collect it, and how you can update, delete, or manage the data collected.

Information we Collect

1. Individual Steward. Registering as an “Individual” American Grade Steward (“Steward”) allows you to create an account that is associated solely with you and has no ties to another entity or business. When registering, the Site requires collection of an email address, password, zip code, and method of hearing about the Site. American Grade also collects optional data for occupation and a potential special designation (like Veteran or Union member).
2. Business Steward. Registering as a “Business” Steward allows you to create an account associated with a business entity instead of an individual. As a Business Steward, in addition to the data required for the Individual Steward, the Site also requires the business name, business industry(ies), and the business demographic. American Grade also collects optional data from businesses to include your business' phone number, website URL, email, and primary address to include city and state details.
3. All Users. See Cookie Policy.

Data Use

American Grade uses your email address to communicate intentions and documentation about the use of the American Grade Steward Logo (“Logo”) to you. Further, American Grade may use your email address to market future campaigns that fall under the American Grade mission. American Grade does not sell or give your data to any individual, organization, or company for any use. Any communication for marketing purposes from data collected by American Grade will be directly from American Grade or our agents and for the purposes of our goals and mission.

General Data Protection Regulation

This Site is intended to be used by residents of the United States of America and is not in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If you are from the European Economic Area (EEA) and choose to register on this site, American Grade will not in any way attempt to follow GDPR practices on your behalf and cannot be held liable to perform such actions as required by GDPR or held liable for any legal actions pertaining to the GDPR. If you are an EEA resident and choose to register on the Site, your data will be treated in the same manner as any resident of the United States of America.

Registration Removal

You may at any time remove your registration from the Site. On the Site, American Grade has provided a removal link that will send the registered user a confirmation email to ensure the true registered user made the request. Upon confirmation, American Grade will remove your data from its databases and records. To be reinstated, a user must simply re-register.

Updates to this Privacy Policy

The Privacy Policy may need to be updated from time to time. American Grade reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to alter the Privacy Policy based on expanded terms, regulatory changes, or any other condition American Grade deems necessary. The most current version of the Privacy Policy will supersede all other versions. American Grade encourages you to periodically review the Privacy Policy to stay informed of updates.

Cookie Policy

How We Use Cookies

Like most websites, we use cookies to facilitate critical website functionality so we can provide you with a secure browsing experience. We value your privacy and trust, so our cookies never contain personal information and we never share with other companies.

Your Choices

We use essential cookies to drive critical features of our application so we do not allow users to opt out of them. Continued website usage indicates your consent to allow these cookies to be used.

American Grade Community Guidelines

The American Grade community includes people from a wide variety of experiences, backgrounds, and mindsets and we offer a wide range of venues and online areas where users may interact. These guidelines apply to your use of all of American Grade's products and services and will help you and the rest of the community enjoy the American Grade experience. If you do not feel you can follow our Community Guidelines as outlined below, this may not be the right community for you. American Grade has drafted these guidelines to ensure everyone who uses the Site and any American Grade products or services can have an enjoyable experience.

Do These

1. Be an American Grade Steward. We are a diverse community of Americans with many different beliefs, opinions, comforts, and discomforts. Be respectful and mindful of your audience when posting any public content. Engage in rich and fulfilling interactions and report abusive content when noticed or recognized.
2. Stay on Topic. Please keep your content relevant to the Site and the topic where you upload or post.
3. Moderate Your Content. Always ensure that your post meets the requirements of the Terms and Conditions, applicable laws, and these Community Guidelines. If you are unsure of your content, err on the side of caution.
4. Protect Your and Others' Data. Always understand your rights and the rights of others when posting, uploading, etc. American Grade does not provide backup services for users and does not guarantee any content will be available after transmitting to the Site, so retain any content you do not wish to lose. Please refer to the Privacy Policy if there are any questions about how your or others' data is used by American Grade.

Do Not Do These

1. Do not bully or harass. The Site is not a community where bullying, harassment, defamation, shaming, or intimidating is acceptable.
2. Do not use hate speech. Hate speech intends to insult, intimidate, or offend a person based on a trait or membership in a group as in race, religion, ethnicity, orientation, disability, etc. As a diverse community of Americans from many different backgrounds, any speech of this manner does not belong in this community.
3. Do not be obscene. Sexually explicit, nude, or vulgar comments or images do not belong on this Site or within the communications of this community.
4. Do not break the law. Do not use the Site or any American Grade products or services to break any laws or regulations. Stewards should be able to trust each other to behave in a way that is both ethical and legal as to reflect positively on the community as a whole and promote behaviors consistent with the community's ideals.

What American Grade Will Do

1. Promote Proper Use. American Grade will always promote community, collaboration, and diversity. American Grade desires to facilitate a community of Stewards that have productive and rich online experiences. American Grade cannot be present for every transmission of content to the Site, so we rely on the community to report abuses. We will investigate and respond properly to any reported incident. We do reserve the right to make exceptions to this policy if deemed appropriate for educational or artistic purposes or if the content may provide a substantial benefit to the community or public in general.
2. Account Management. American Grade will remove content and/or deactivate Stewards' accounts that violate the Terms and Conditions and/or the Community Guidelines. No exceptions will be made for content that:
   1. exploits or abuses children in any way. This includes images whether real or cartoon and posts/blog content that uses harmful or abusive language as it relates to children.
   2. promotes violent crime to include acts of organized criminal activity and/or terrorist organizations and/or the leaders of those organizations.
   3. is considered pornography by any reasonable person.

License of American Grade Steward Trademark

General

The American Grade Steward trademark is property of Americans For USA, Inc., dba American Grade. Becoming an American Grade Steward, whether an Individual or Business, gives you certain rights to use and display the American Grade Steward logo. This licensure policy outlines the legal and proper use of the logo as well as the guidelines for use for Individuals and Businesses that register as American Grade Stewards.

This is the American Grade Steward logo:

American Grade Steward Businesses

Any business that registers and is an actively participating American Grade Steward business is granted a license to use and display the American Grade Steward logo in relation to their business in a respectful and appropriate manner. The logo may never be used in a way that would disparage American Grade. The business entity is the licensee and the individual responsible for the business account is considered responsible for enforcing these guidelines with their business.

The licensee is allowed to share, promote, or display the American Grade Steward logo in the following ways:

1. On your business social media platforms
2. On your business's website
3. In advertising and marketing, including, for example, print, television, and digital
4. In signature blocks of business employees from business email accounts
5. On your business's branded stationery including:
   1. Business cards
   2. Letterhead
   3. Envelopes
   4. Folders
   5. Invoices
   6. Purchase orders
   7. Notepads
   8. Memos

The Licensee is not allowed to use or display the American Grade Steward logo or name:

1. On any apparel or merchandise not purchased from American Grade
2. As part of your own brand. You are allowed to display with your own logo, but cannot state, insinuate, or lead others to believe American Grade is your brand
3. Modified in any way other than size. This includes combining the American Grade Steward logo with other logos, marks, business names, or any other generic terms.

American Grade Steward Individuals

Any individual that registers and is an actively participating American Grade Steward individual is granted a license to use and display the American Grade Steward logo in a respectful and appropriate manner. The licensee is allowed to share, promote, or display the American Grade Steward logo in the following ways:

1. On your personal social media platforms
2. On your personal website
3. As a signature block in your personal email
4. On your personal stationery including:
   1. Business cards
   2. Letterhead
   3. Envelopes
   4. Folders
   5. Invoices
   6. Purchase orders
   7. Notepads
   8. Memos

The Licensee is not allowed to use or display the American Grade Steward logo or name:

1. On any apparel or merchandise not purchased from American Grade
2. In any marketing or advertising, including but not limited to print, television, and digital
3. As part of your own brand. You are allowed to display with your own logo, but cannot state, insinuate, or lead others to believe American Grade is your brand
4. Modified in any way other than size. This includes combining the American Grade Steward logo with other logos, marks, business names, or any other generic terms.

Use Guidelines

When displayed with other logos, the American Grade Steward logo should be sized to a comparable size as other logos. Stewards should strive to use American made products whenever possible when using the logo. Stewards should also strive to follow the brand standards and logo use guidelines that can be found on your dashboard when logged in to the American Grade website. If you have a question about use of the logo that may not be covered by this policy, please contact American Grade at support@americangrade.us for clarification or a policy update.

The license only grants use of the American Grade Steward trademark as long as the business or individual is a registered American Grade Steward. This registration is renewed annually. If it is not renewed, the license is revoked and the licensee must discontinue use.