WHAT A RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATES
A ribbon cutting is a great way to introduce yourself to the community, attract potential customers, and get acquainted with fellow Chamber members.
A ribbon cutting celebrates new businesses in Guntersville that have opened within the past 6 months.
- If you are not brick and mortar, we will be happy to host the ceremony at the Chamber office.
- If you are a member outside of the Guntersville area, we will be glad to partner with a neighboring Chamber for a joint ribbon cutting ceremony.
It can also celebrate a major business anniversary, a major renovation, and a new location or new ownership but is not automatically included with Chamber membership.
Your first ribbon cutting is free; any additional ribbon cutting ceremonies will be $50 (Example: Your business previously held a ribbon cutting and you change locations or remodel)
SCHEDULING
- Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
- 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, or 4:00 pm
- NOT available on weekends or after business hours
- Schedule at least 2 weeks in advance to allow for publicity
- Provide 2 possible dates and times for your ceremony; we will do our best to schedule for your requested time, but due to availability, another date may need to be chosen.
THE HOST SHOULD
- Promote the event on social media pages and website
- The Chamber cannot guarantee attendance; it is imperative that you promote your event and invite your guests
- Invite staff, family members, customers, and business partners
- Be prepared to give a 1-2 minute welcome
- Can be a Thank You to everyone who has helped you get to where you are today, discuss your services or products, or talk about special upcoming events.
- Have business cards or brochures available
- If a photo is to be taken outdoors with signage, avoid parking vehicles in the chosen area, or set up another sign that is visible (sandwich board, banner, etc)
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- WHO will address the audience?
- In the event the Mayor is not in attendance, WHO will hold the scissors?
- Consider sending a formal invitation to guests
- Refreshments, door prizes, and decorations are optional - do whatever fits your budget
- Ribbon Cuttings typically last only 15-30 minutes
WHAT THE CHAMBER DOES FOR A RIBBON CUTTING
BEFORE EVENT
- Coordinate with the Mayor's schedule
- Create a promo piece to share on social media, community calendar, and in weekly eblast
- Send announcement to The Advertiser-Gleam
- Invite Chamber Board of Directors, Ambassadors, Mayor, City Council, and membership to attend
- Provide a media and events list, upon request
DAY OF
- Bring the ribbon and ceremonial scissors
- Provide a staff member or Ambassador to briefly welcome everyone and introduce main speaker
- Invite everyone to participate in the photos
- Mayor Dollar cuts the ribbon (if in attendance); otherwise, host cuts ribbon
- After ceremony photos, take family and friends and/or staff photos
AFTER EVENT
- Post photos on Facebook and to Tuesday eblast for a month
- Send photos to you and to The Advertiser-Gleam
Please be aware that we can’t guarantee a certain date for the Gleam to post your photo; this is at their discretion.
To schedule your ribbon cutting ceremony, contact Jennifer at jennifer@lakeguntersville.org or at 256-582-3612 ext 6.