Every computer connected to the Internet is given a domain name and a set of numbers that serve as that computer's Internet Protocol ("IP") Address. When a visitor requests a page from the TRI-STATE Web site, our Web server automatically recognizes that visitor's domain name and IP address. The domain name and IP address reveal nothing personal about you other than the IP address from which you have accessed our site. We use this information to examine our traffic in aggregate, but do not collect and evaluate this information for individuals. Our Web server is not authorized to record e-mail addresses of visitors to the TRI-STATE site.

What are cookies?

From time to time, Web servers may send a "cookie" to your computer. A cookie is a small piece of data that is sent to your browser from a Web server and stored on your computer's hard drive. A cookie can't read data off your hard disk or read cookie files created by other sites. Cookies do not damage your system. Web servers use cookies to identify which areas of Web sites you have visited or customized so the next time you visit, those pages may be readily accessible. This information may also be used to better personalize the content, banners, and promotions that you see on the Web site.

You can choose whether to accept cookies by changing the settings of your browser. You can reset your browser to refuse all cookies, or allow your browser to show you when a cookie is being sent. If you choose not to accept these cookies, your experience at the TRI-STATE Web site and other sites may be diminished and some features may not work as intended.

What other information do we request?

We may also request your e-mail address or mailing address for the purposes of conducting a survey or to provide additional information (for example, announcements regarding new TRI-STATE products, product promotions or trade shows we plan to attend). Whenever we request the identity of a visitor, we will clearly indicate the purpose of the inquiry before the information is requested. We maintain a strict "No-Spam" policy, which means that we will not intentionally sell, rent, or otherwise give your e-mail address to a third-party without your consent. In addition, TRI-STATE will not send you e-mail that you have not agreed to receive. We may from time to time send e-mail announcing new TRI-STATE products, product promotions or trade show appearances. If you choose to supply your postal address in an online form, you may also receive mailings from other reputable, third party companies.

What information do we collect when you purchase something?

If you are purchasing something from TRI-STATE, we need to know your name, e-mail address, mailing address, ship to address, credit card number, and expiration date. This information, which you will provide via telephone, fax or U.S. mail, allows us to process and fulfill your order and to notify you of your order status. Your address information may also be used by us to notify you of related products, but will not be shared or sold to third parties for any purpose.

Will we disclose the information we collect to outside third parties?

TRI-STATE will disclose personal information when required by law or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary to:
1) conform to edicts of law or comply with a legal process served on TRI-STATE;
2) protect and defend the rights or property of the TRI-STATE Web site or visitors to the TRI-STATE site;
3) identify persons who may be violating the law, the legal notice or the rights of third parties;
4) cooperate with investigations of purported unlawful activities.

TRI-STATE uses reasonable precautions to keep the information disclosed to us secure. TRI-STATE reserves the right to transfer such information in connection with the sale of all or part of TRI-STATE's capital stock or assets. Furthermore, we are not responsible for any breach of security or for any actions of any third parties that receive the information. TRI-STATE also links to a wide variety of other sites and may contain advertisements of third parties. We are not responsible for their privacy policies or how they treat information about their users.

What else should you know about your privacy when online?

The TRI-STATE Web site may contain links to other Web sites. TRI-STATE is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such Web sites. TRI-STATE does not share any of the individual personal information you provide with the sites to which TRI-STATE links, although TRI-STATE may share aggregate data with such Web sites (such as how many people use our site). Please check with those sites to determine their privacy policy. Please keep in mind that whenever you voluntarily disclose personal information online - for example through e-mail, discussion lists, or elsewhere - that information can be collected and used by others. In short, if you post personal information online that is accessible to the public, you may receive unsolicited messages from other parties in return.

Ultimately, you are solely responsible for maintaining the secrecy of your personal information. Please be careful and responsible whenever you're online.