
Partnering for Success
What the Chamber provides:
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Ceremonial ribbon & large scissors
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Event promotion:
- Website calendar listing
- Social media posts
- Inclusion in e-newsletter (as timing allows)
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Outreach to local leaders, dignitaries, and community partners
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Staff support at the event, including brief remarks
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Event planning guidance (timeline, templates, checklists)
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Photos for Chamber social media and post-event recap
What the Business provides:
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Select and confirm the date/time (minimum 2 weeks in advance)
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Secure your location (on-site or special venue)
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Send invitations to clients, partners, and personal guests
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Designate a spokesperson to welcome attendees and give brief remarks
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Provide refreshments (optional but encouraged)
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Promote the event on your own social media, website, or email
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Celebrate your story—have signage, displays, or tours ready if applicable
Considerations for your Celebration
Guest List: Decide who you’d like to attend—staff, customers, community members, elected officials, Chamber representatives, and media.
Media Outreach: Invite local media and consider issuing a press release. (The Chamber can provide a Media Release Template and local media contact list.)
Event Promotion:
- Let the Chamber know if you'd like us to promote the event as a Chamber event.
- Share your event on your business’s website, email list, and social media platforms.
- Create a Facebook event that we can help share.
Photo Setup: Choose a location with your logo or business name visible for the ribbon cutting. This creates a strong, branded photo.
Designate a Photographer: Have someone ready to take candid and posed photos throughout the event.
Photo Participants: Think about who you want in the ribbon-cutting photo:
- The business owner or manager typically cuts the ribbon.
- Invite town/county officials, state legislators, Chamber leadership, family, and staff.
- Two people will need to hold the ends of the ribbon.
Remarks: Prepare a short welcome or thank-you speech to share after the ribbon is cut.
Hospitality: Offering light refreshments and/or a tour of your space adds a warm, welcoming touch (optional, but appreciated!).
Scheduling Your Ribbon Cutting
Choosing the right date and time is key to ensuring a successful event with great turnout, strong visibility, and meaningful community engagement.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
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Advance Notice Maximizes Impact
We recommend scheduling your Ribbon Cutting at least two weeks in advance, preferably more. Early planning allows time to:-
Promote your event more widely
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Invite special guests such as local officials, legislators, business partners, and media
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Coordinate schedules with the Chamber, Town or County representatives, and other key stakeholders
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Best Days & Times
For maximum attendance, we suggest scheduling your event Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. These hours are best for:-
Chamber leadership and staff
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Local elected officials and business leaders
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Media outlets and community partners
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Plan Around Peak Engagement Times
Consider scheduling your event during light meal windows, such as mid-morning with coffee, lunchtime, or late afternoon with refreshments or a casual happy hour. These timeframes create a welcoming environment and encourage guests to stay, mingle, and celebrate with you.
Ready to Celebrate?
Email Tracy Clark
ExecutiveDirector@LouisaChamber.org