Ribbon Cutting Information

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.