The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce conducts Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies as a benefit to Chamber Partners. Ceremonies can be performed by themselves or as a part of an open house or grand opening. The Chamber is happy to help! Below is the information that you will need.
WHO QUALIFIES:
Current Partners of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce who are:
- In their first year of opening a business
- In the first year of purchasing an existing business
- An existing business that has moved to a new location or remodeled
WHAT THE CHAMBER DOES:
- Provides the “giant scissors”
- Provides red ribbon (if want different color, you must provide)
- Promotes event on social media
- Includes event in weekly email to all Chamber Partners
- Attends the event and takes pictures and shares across various platforms
WHAT THE COMPANY DOES:
- Coordinates with Chamber contact on date, time, and place of event
- Invites special guest
- The Chamber will promote your event through several different platforms. We encourage you promote yourself and invite your own special guests. You should consider: Mayor, City Officials, Financiers, Contractors, Employees, Customers, Family, Friends, and Media.
- Provides refreshments for attendees (optional)
- Provides door prizes (optional)
- Prepares an agenda and timeline
HOW IT RUNS:
Sample Ceremony Agenda
- Company representative(s) welcomes guests
- Introduction of Special Guests/VIPs in attendance
- Introduction of company President or Manager
- Congratulatory remarks
- Introduction of the company; talk about the business, what it does, your new location or remodeling, give your operating hours, introduce staff, etc.
- Pose for photo with the ribbon and scissors, include whoever you would like for this moment: staff, dignitaries, family, and/or friends
- Invite attendees to tour your facilities, refreshments, etc.
KEEP IN MIND:
- The further ahead you contact us, the more exposure you will receive
- Keep in touch with your Chamber contact as plans progress
- If parking will be an issue, let us and your attendees know in advance
WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE IT THE BEST?
- Create a unique flyer to share on social media, we can include in our monthly Investor email, email to your invited guest
- Send out a direct mail piece to invite local residents, businesses, etc.
- Create a press release and send to local media
- Invite clients, employees, board of directors, local officials, etc.
- Invite corporate staff from out of town/corporate headquarters
- Invite anyone who helped with your business (bank, attorneys, accountants, etc.)
- Offer complimentary snacks and beverages, door prizes, or take-aways
- Invite local sports or business mascots and superheroes in costumes
RIBBON CUTTING CHECKLIST
- Fill out the Ribbon Cutting Information Sheet and return to Chamber contact
- Coordinate with Chamber contact for date, location, and time
- Contact Mayor’s office to request attendance
- Create invitation list and send out invitation (printed, digital, social media, etc.)
- Prepare agenda for event
- Plan refreshments, tours, door prizes, etc. (optional)
- Send agenda to Chamber contact prior to event
- Day of event: enjoy your guests and showcase your business to Columbus