The following are tips to assist you in planning a successful ribbon cutting. The Clayton County Chamber of Commerce provides this as a service to our members. Ribbon cuttings are usually planned for business’ expansion, relocation, grand opening, major anniversary, ground breaking, or renovation. Ribbon Cuttings are a free service for Chamber members.
Setting the Date
Ribbon cuttings should be scheduled at least one month in advance. Complete the Ribbon Cutting Request Form by providing three date and time preferences for your Ribbon Cutting. Once your request is received, the Chamber will coordinate your date selection to ensure that there are no conflicts with the Chamber calendar, which may detract from your ribbon cutting. Please contact us at (678) 610-4021 with any questions.
Setting the Time
Ribbon cuttings generally take place Monday – Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and last for approximately one hour. (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. is the recommended time)
The Ceremony
A typical ribbon cutting is approximately one hour. Out of respect for your guests, it is important to start your ribbon cutting on time. The Chamber will personally invite our Chamber Partners to be present at your event. Those who can attend will often remain for refreshments, tours, etc.
The following is a typical ceremony:
11:30 a.m. Arrival of Guests
11:30 – 11:45 a.m. Networking
11:45 – 11:50 a.m. Brief Speech by Company Representative and Recognition of Special Guests
11:50 – 11:55 a.m. Pictures and Cutting of the Ribbon
11:55 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Refreshments, Tours, Networking, etc.
Send Invitations
Although not necessary, attendance at your event may be more successful if you send out invitations in writing. The Chamber will provide you with an elected officials list and media list. You may also purchase mailing labels of the Chamber membership (550+ businesses) for $75 (a 50% discount from the regular purchase price). Mailing Label Request Form
Ribbon
The Chamber will provide your organization with a ceremonial ribbon and ceremonial scissors for the ribbon cutting.
Food
It’s your event, make it as grand or as simple as you like. It can be as simple as coffee and donuts in the morning, cake and soft drinks in the afternoon, or as elaborate as catering with food and music.
Event Publicity
The Chamber will promote your ribbon cutting in at least one email notification to the Chamber membership. Your ribbon cutting will also be listed on the Chamber website and if scheduled thirty days in advance, it will be published in the Clayton News Daily on the monthly “Chamber Page”. It is recommended that you send a press release out to the local media that were not able to attend your ribbon cutting.
Ribbon Cutting Request Form is available by request. Email info@claytonchamber.org and we will send you this information.
Chamber Contacts
Debra Carter, Member Support Specialist
dcarter@claytonchamber.org, (678) 610-4021
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