Ribbon-Cutting & Groundbreaking Contract

Ribbon-Cutting ceremonies exist to promote the following within three months, where applicable: the opening of a new business, an existing business opening a new location or completing a major renovation, a change of ownership, or a celebration of a milestone anniversary, and/or dedication.

Guidelines

1. The host must be an active Chamber member in good standing. New members must have submitted membership dues payment prior to the ceremony date. 
2. The host is responsible for: 
   1. Choosing a date - we advise a Tuesday or Thursday at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. at least two weeks prior to the return of this signed contract.
   2. Understanding that ribbon-cuttings are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
   3. Sending a high-resolution company logo and a brief description of the business or celebration to membership@batesvilleareachamber.com at least two weeks prior to the event. 
   4. Understanding that the ribbon-cutting ceremony is a photo opportunity and is scheduled for approximately 15 minutes.
      1. The host may have a larger event, such as an open house, in conjunction with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, but will be responsible for communicating that information and inviting guests to that event. 
3. The Chamber is responsible for:
   1. Providing ribbon and scissors.
   2. Providing a podium with a microphone, upon request.
   3. Providing a photographer.
   4. Providing a Chamber representative to make remarks.
      1. If the host wants a specific Chamber representative, they must request this at least one week prior to the event. 
   5. Having at least five chamber representatives on site for up to 15 minutes.
   6. Emailing invitations to Chamber board members, Chamber staff, Chamber Ambassadors, and special guests requested by the host. 
      1. The host must send a list of special guests to be invited, including their emails, to membership@batesvilleareachamber.com at least two weeks prior to the event. 
   7. Submitting a photograph and press release to local media contacts (there is no guarantee of media publishing a photograph or press release). 
   8. Posting pre-event details and post-event details to social media and the community calendar.

What to say at a Ribbon-Cutting

• Reason for Ribbon Cutting
• Short Overview of Services
• Quick History of Business
• Introduce staff, officers, board members, construction teams, family, and anyone else who played a key role

 

Helpful Tips

• Be creative by putting your personal touch on things to make your ceremony memorable.
• Short and sweet. People tend to drop in and don't stick around for long.
• Promote and market through your social media, invite friends and family, advertise, etc.
• Try to minimize your stress level—ribbon cuttings are meant to be FUN! We want you to come away feeling the support of the Chamber and the business community.
• Outdoor photos are typically best to incorporate your logo, sign, etc.
• SMILE for a practice shot during the ribbon photo. This is followed by the "3...2...1..." and countdown, cut, and celebration!