Ribbon cuttings
tips to make your ribbon cutting ceremony a successful event
Because your ribbon cutting is your event, there are no set rules. To make your event successful, carefully consider the following:
- We encourage you to schedule your event at least two weeks in advance. The Chamber will put your ribbon cutting in our weekly Buzz Newsletter that comes out every Tuesday, but we also encourage you to develop your own PR strategy.
- Determine who will cut the ribbon prior to the ceremony. Most often, the owners or top executives do the honors, but each business is different and can pick whomever they like.
- Determine who will be in the photo(s). Some businesses elect to take multiple photos with various groups of people before cutting the ribbon. Photos might include employees, family, Chamber members, business partners and Ambassadors, for example. Most businesses also take a photo with everyone who attends.
- Your remarks or speech. This is usually done when everyone is gathered before cutting the ribbon. This is by no means required but making an opening remark can add a nice touch to your ribbon cutting.
- Invite everyone you know! Invite your family; friends; past, current and potential customers; business associates; suppliers; your employees or neighboring businesses and government officials. Please contact Tim Thomas, if you would like an Excel list of government officials.
- Consider having giveaways or door prizes, especially logo items that guests can take back to their offices.
- Food and beverage are not required, but for open house events, it can add a nice touch. The Chamber is happy to provide you with members who can help you with catering.
- Consider mailing or emailing out a special invitation. You can also mail an invite through the US Postal Service. This is especially encouraged if you are conducting a grand opening with prizes, business specials and refreshments. The Chamber sells exclusive electronic mailing lists, which are only available to members. Mailing lists can be purchased for $125. To purchase a membership mailing list, please contact Tim Thomas.
ribbon cutting FAQ's
Is there a ribbon cutting fee?
Ribbon cuttings are free for all current Chamber members.
What will the Chamber bring to the ribbon cutting?
The Chamber will bring the scissors, the ribbon and the attendance of 1-5 chamber staff members.
What are the benefits of holding a ribbon cutting?
Ribbon cuttings are a fun and exciting way for the public and chamber members to be introduced to your business. Ribbon cuttings give you the perfect opportunity to showcase your products/services to all who attend.
What does the chamber do to promote our ribbon cutting?
The Chamber will promote your ribbon cutting in our weekly newsletter. We will also email all of our Chamber Ambassadors, informing them of your ribbon cutting. Additionally, we will inform a field representative from Vern Buchanan’s office about your ribbon cutting.
Where will our ribbon cutting photo appear?
Your ribbon cutting photo will be posted to the Chamber’s Facebook page (which has over 7,000 likes!), and our quarterly magazine, The Bridge. Additionally, we will email you the photos so that you will have them for your records.
Should I hire a photographer?
The ribbon cuttings are entirely customizable. We encourage you to arrange a photographer of your choice if you would like professional photos for your ribbon cutting. A Chamber member in attendance is also able to take photos of the event.
Should I provide food and alcohol?
Providing refreshments at a ribbon cutting is completely at your discretion. If you choose to have food catered, we encourage you to check out the food vendors in our Member Database!
Ribbon cuttings are free for all current Chamber members.
What will the Chamber bring to the ribbon cutting?
The Chamber will bring the scissors, the ribbon and the attendance of 1-5 chamber staff members.
What are the benefits of holding a ribbon cutting?
Ribbon cuttings are a fun and exciting way for the public and chamber members to be introduced to your business. Ribbon cuttings give you the perfect opportunity to showcase your products/services to all who attend.
What does the chamber do to promote our ribbon cutting?
The Chamber will promote your ribbon cutting in our weekly newsletter. We will also email all of our Chamber Ambassadors, informing them of your ribbon cutting. Additionally, we will inform a field representative from Vern Buchanan’s office about your ribbon cutting.
Where will our ribbon cutting photo appear?
Your ribbon cutting photo will be posted to the Chamber’s Facebook page (which has over 7,000 likes!), and our quarterly magazine, The Bridge. Additionally, we will email you the photos so that you will have them for your records.
Should I hire a photographer?
The ribbon cuttings are entirely customizable. We encourage you to arrange a photographer of your choice if you would like professional photos for your ribbon cutting. A Chamber member in attendance is also able to take photos of the event.
Should I provide food and alcohol?
Providing refreshments at a ribbon cutting is completely at your discretion. If you choose to have food catered, we encourage you to check out the food vendors in our Member Database!
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