Ribbon Cutting Form

Event Services

• Grand Openings, Anniversaries, Ribbon Cuttings, & Grand Breakings
• Free Equipment Rental,  Free Use of Banners, Free Calendar Listing and Facebook Posts
• Free for Chamber Members
  

Grand Opening, Anniversaries, Ribbon Cutting, and Ground Breakings: 
For an Event Services Request form go to: https://www.chamberorganizer.com/members/form.php?orgcode=SRCC&fid=2668527

​Public ceremonies are conducted to inaugurate the opening or groundbreaking event to the general public of a new building or business. Ceremonies can also be for new management, a major re-model or a special anniversary or milestone. Some events are even virtual, with a picture or video podcast being done on-line, in-lieu of an actual on-site event. 

Often, the ceremony is conducted in just the manner the name suggests: by tying a ceremonial ribbon across the main entrance of the building, which is then cut in a ritual manner by a dignitary to declare the building open for business. Similarly , a shovel is used to scoop the first load of dirt from a construction site.  
 
The events are planned and executed by the business. Friends, invited guests, local community leaders, contractors, suppliers, are invited by the business to witness the event. Large ceremonial scissors and ribbon  or ceremonial shovels are used for the event. The ribbon is frequently signed by the guests and preserved by the business as a keepsake. Many of the events also include tours of the business, the opportunity to meet the owner, and food and drink.
 
Because ceremonial events managed by the owner, there are no set rules. The events range from very simple, low-cost events to extravagant productions utilizing the services of professional event planners.   A business should consider inviting business partners, financiers, vendors, contractors, employees, customers, friends, near-by businesses, and family to maximize attendance and to help celebrate this momentous occasion in a business’s history.

How the Chamber Can Help You With Your Event

The following items are available at no cost to members: 

• “Giant scissors” and ribbon 
• Six gold painted ceremonial shovels
• Six OSHA approved ceremonial hard hats (royal blue and yellow) 
• Portable PA System (Bluetooth ready) 
• A brass plated raffle drum (holds up to 1,000 door prize tickets)
• Plain White and Red Grand Opening Banner: 8 ft x 3 ft , held together by a 5 feet rope attached to the corner grommets. Check with local sign ordinances before displaying. (2 available)
• Standard Grand Opening Flag and Pole Kit:  3 ft x 5 ft ( Black lettering with red, white and blue).  Polyester flag with header tape, metal grommets, a three piece steel pole. Check with local sign ordinances before displaying (2 available)
• Listing on the Chamber’s Community Calendar website
• Listing on calendar of events distributed at Chamber events
• Event listing in Chamber e-newsletter
• If you send us a picture of your event, we will post in on our Facebook page.
• Use of the conference room for home-based business
• An official Chamber representative; which may include the board chair, chair elect, board member, ambassador, or Chamber staff. (M-Thurs between the hours of 8am-4pm)

Types of Activities that Lend Themselves to Ribbon Cuttings: 

• Businesses that have opened its doors within the past six months
• Moved to a new location due to expansion
• Has been remodeled or has expanded its current location
• Celebrating a milestone anniversary
• Performing a groundbreaking

The Chamber does not provide

• Event planning services, food and/or  beverages for events
• We can not deliver or pick up the equipment we loan out 
• We can not guarantee attendance by members. Attendance depends on the date, time, location, type of business and other competing events
• The Chamber can't guarantee media coverage or the attendance of elected officials (we are not affiliated with government).
• The Chamber can not provide certificate of insurance

What Should a Business Do

View Ribbon Cutting Checklist

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• We have found Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are usually the best days during the week for attendance.
• Please check out the ceremonial Scissors and ribbon a day early if you event is  after 5 pm, weekends and holidays.
• Determine who will cut the ribbon or shovel the first dirt. The owners or top executives most frequently do the honors, but each business is different and can pick whomever they like.
• Take photos. Some businesses will take multiple photos with various groups of people before actually cutting the ribbon. Photos might include employees, family, dignitaries, Chamber members, business partners, and Ambassadors, for example.
• Your remarks or speech. This is usually done when everyone is gathered before cutting the ribbon.
• Consider having giveaways, especially logo items that guests can take back to their offices.
• Utilize the Chamber on-line directory to find event planners, media companies, promotional vendors, party rental supplies, or digital marketing consultants.  
• Food and beverage is not required, but it makes a nice touch, and may improve your turn-out
• Be sure to have plenty of brochures/flyers/information available!