Because ceremonial events managed by the owner, there are no set rules. Your remarks may be very short to extravagant and utilizing multiple speakers.
Below is a basic basic script for an owner:
Welcome to ________! Today we celebrate the grand opening of our _______ business. We are so thankful to so many of you, who have been with us every step of the way, so that this day would finally come. My name is __________, and I am the owner of ___________.
I would like to introduce a few special persons to you (may include anyone you want like family members, employees, dignitaries, elected officials, etc.).
Next on our agenda is the ribbon cutting ceremony, which will be followed by a tour or opening of our facility (which can be either guided by a member of your staff, or self-guided if your time is limited.)
Instructions:
Assemble the persons you want in the photo. Two persons will hold the stretched ribbon, the owner or other persons will then pose for a picture behind the ribbon. Make sure the scissors are open, to make it appear the ribbon is about to be cut. This is your opportunity to take several pictures (before cutting the ribbon). Then simply cut the ribbon after all the pictures are taken.
Let us now cut the ribbon.
On behalf of __________ we would like to thank each of you for taking time out of your busy schedule today. Thank You.
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
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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!