Ribbon Cuttings

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 anniversary celebrations. We provide these services absolutely free to Chamber members.
Yes, you actually cut a ribbon. 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. Each business chooses the group of people they want assembled for their photos. Furthermore, the ribbon cutting ceremony gives the business owner or manager a chance to say a few words to those gathered.
Business owners have used this time to publicly thank their financial backers, their employees, their 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 Perry County Chamber to endorse and help coordinate your ribbon cutting.

WHAT DOES THE CHAMBER DO FOR MY RIBBON CUTTING?
The Perry County Chamber of Commerce will gladly invite the Chamber Board of Directors and local government officials to attend, promote your event through our online calendar, Facebook page, and electronic newsletter, arrive at your location with ribbon and official ribbon-cutting scissors, welcome attendees and introduce you at your ribbon cutting, and take photos and share them with you and to local media representatives following the event.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

• WHO will cut the ribbon? The owners or top executives most frequently do the honors, but each business is different and can pick whomever they like.
• WHEN will you hold your event? We find that Tuesday – Friday between 9 AM – 4 PM draw the largest crowds but may not work for all businesses. If you would like board members and elected officials in attendance, weekdays work better, but for some retail stores, Saturdays will draw more customers.
• 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.
• 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.

The typical ribbon cutting event will last only 15-30 minutes, HOWEVER YOUR EVENT MAY LAST AS LONG AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO. Refreshments, drinks, door prizes, and decorations are optional and up to you. Keep in mind, however, that ribbon cuttings are typically short and sweet. 

If you are interested in holding a ribbon cutting, please contact the Chamber office at 717-582-4523 or pccc@perrycountychamber.org