We Celebrate Free Enterprise!
Congratulations! If you are reading this, you are likely considering a celebration for the opening of a new business, an anniversary, or the expansion/relocation of an existing business in the Lakewood area. We are excited for your success and appreciate the opportunity to help you mark this momentous occasion.
What is a Chamber Ribbon Cutting?
A ribbon cutting is the ceremonial opening of a brand new, newly renovated, or relocated business. It can inaugurate a business’s first day of business or it can take place weeks after the business’s soft opening. The Chamber also considers ribbon cutting requests for renovation, expansion, and major anniversary celebrations. We provide these services absolutely free to Chamber members.
Yes, you actually cut a ribbon. With big scissors. Really big scissors! The most common location is the main entrance of the building, but it can also be stretched across another important location within the business, especially during inclement weather.
What are the benefits of holding
a Chamber Ribbon Cutting?
Because the ribbon cutting marks a very significant moment in the business’s history, this is also a great photo opportunity. The ribbon cutting ceremony also gives the business owner or manager a chance to say a few words to those gathered.
Owners have used this time to publicly thank their financial backers, employees, friends and family, and/or their business partners. They also take the opportunity to talk about what their business does. You must be a new or current Chamber member in good standing for the Chamber to endorse and help coordinate your ribbon cutting.
What does the Chamber do for my Ribbon Cutting?
The Chamber will gladly invite our Board of Directors, Ambassadors and local government staff/officials to attend. We’ll promote your event through our online calendar, Facebook page, and electronic newsletter, arrive at your location with blue ribbon and official ribbon cutting scissors.
We will also welcome attendees, introduce you at your ribbon cutting, as well as take photos and share them with you and local media representatives following the event.
Things to consider about your Ribbon Cutting:
WHO will cut the ribbon? The owners or top executives most frequently do the honors, but each organization is different and can pick whomever they like.
WHEN will you hold your event? We find that Tuesday-Thursday, midday over the lunch hour, or early evenings right after closing (5:30 pm) draw the largest crowds. We cannot assist with events scheduled on weekends or holidays.
WHAT you wish to share when you speak just after the ribbon is cut. You can thank those who helped along the process, how you came about owning/updating/moving, and share any specials or upcoming events. Please limit your speech to 3 minutes or one page of notes.
HOW you can maximize this program. Consider sending a special invitation to your clients, offering a drawing or raffle to collect business cards to build your database.
Refreshments, drinks, door prizes, and decorations are optional and up to you. Keep in mind that ribbon cuttings are typically short and sweet.