What is a ribbon cutting?
A ribbon cutting is the ceremonial new, newly-renovated, or relocated business. It can inaugurate your first day of business or it can take place weeks after your 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 hosting a ribbon cutting?
Because the ribbon cutting marks a 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 St. Paul Area Chamber to endorse and help coordinate your ribbon cutting.
What does the Chamber do for my ribbon cutting?
The St. Paul Area Chamber will gladly invite the Chamber Ambassadors and local government officials to attend, promote your event through our online calendar, Facebook page, and electronic newsletter, arrive at your location with the 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 – Thursday, mid-day over the lunch hour, late afternoon or early evenings 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.
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.
Ribbon cutting events are typically one hour long. Refreshments, drinks, door prizes, and decorations are optional and up to you. Keep in mind, however, that the actual cutting of the ribbon is typically short and sweet but the event may last an hour or more. As Chamber members, we recommend fellow Chamber members who offer catering services.
Chamber Ribbon Cuttings must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Requests will be taken on a first-come basis and will not be considered without submission of this form.