Why Ribbon Cuttings Are Important
Celebrating Milestones & Strengthening Community Connections

1. A Moment of Celebration
   Ribbon cuttings are a joyful way to celebrate the grand opening, anniversary, expansion, or relocation of a business. They mark a key milestone and offer a formal moment to recognize all the hard work that led to this achievement.
2. Increased Visibility & Publicity
   Ribbon cuttings generate buzz. With local chamber support, media coverage, social media exposure, and word-of-mouth, these events give businesses a chance to make a memorable first impression. The photo opportunity with a large ribbon and oversized scissors is iconic and highly shareable.
3. Strengthens Community Ties
   These events bring together community leaders, fellow business owners, neighbors, and potential customers. They’re a reminder that community success and business success go hand in hand.
4. Signals Investment in the Local Economy
   A ribbon cutting sends a message: "We’re here, and we’re investing in this community." It demonstrates confidence in the area’s future and contributes to the growth and vibrancy of the local economy.
5. Encourages Chamber Engagement
   Ribbon cuttings are often a business’s first official interaction with the Chamber of Commerce. It's an opportunity to connect with local leadership, understand available resources, and explore future partnerships.
6. Builds Relationships
   Networking is a key benefit. From customers and clients to other professionals and elected officials, attendees at ribbon cuttings can form relationships that lead to referrals, collaborations, and community support.
7. Boosts Morale and Recognition
   For business owners and their teams, a ribbon cutting validates their work and energizes them for the journey ahead. It’s a public "congratulations" for their efforts.

In Summary
A ribbon cutting is more than a ceremony—it’s a strategic opportunity to generate excitement, celebrate progress, and strengthen ties between business and community.

Let’s cut the ribbon, open the doors, and welcome new possibilities!

Your business or organization qualifies for a ribbon cutting if you are a newly opened business or organization, under new ownership, in a new location, or have had a major remodel.

Scheduling a ribbon cutting with the Chamber should take place a minimum of two weeks in advance of the event to allow the Chamber time to invite Elected Officials, Chamber Board members, Chamber Ambassadors, Chamber members, and any members of the local media.

Ribbon cutting are scheduled Monday through Friday*, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.

The event must take place within 6 months of your join date or major event. If you business is home-based, the event can take place at the Chamber office or location of your choice (which you will be responsible for securing).

*Weekend ribbon cutting requests will be considered, however we cannot promise that we will be able to accommodate these requests.

A typical ribbon cutting ceremony is approximately 15 to 30 minutes long.

Out of respect for your guests, it is important to start your ribbon cutting on time.

• We suggest publicizing a start time and ribbon cutting time to give guests an arrival window opportunity.
• Brief "Welcome" comments will be made by a Chamber Official, we will recognize any Elected Officials, and then allow you or a business/organization representative a chance to say a few words before we cut the ribbon.
• Photos will be taken through by Chamber staff/marketing committee members with an Official photo taken just before the close of the scissors.
• Refreshments, tours, mingling, networking, etc can then take place.

You are not required to serve anything. However, if you choose to, you may provide light refreshments for your guests.

It's your event and your choice to make it as grand or as simple as you like. Whether that's coffee and donuts at a morning ribbon cutting; cheese and crackers or cookies/cake and soft drinks for an afternoon ribbon cutting; or a even a light lunch if your hosting the event during the lunch hour.

• Invite employees, customers, family and friends to attend
• Provide a light refreshments for guests (optional)
• Prepare a 2-3 minute speech to educate the group about your business or organization, thank anyone who helped with the endeavor that we are celebrating, and answer any questions that your guests may have.

• Promote the event on the Chamber's website in the event calendar, Chamber e-blast (before and after event), and on the Chamber's social media pages.
• Invite Chamber Board members, Chamber Ambassadors, Chamber members, Elected and City Officials, and members of the local media.
• Provide the ceremonial ribbon, bow, and scissors.
• Take photos of the event and the Official ribbon cutting photo.
• Post and share the photos on the Chamber's social media pages and e-blast.

Ready to submit your schedule request? Please fill out the form here and let our chamber staff support you throughout the rest of the process!