
Partnering for Success
What the Chamber provides:
Ceremonial ribbon & large scissors
Event promotion:
- Website calendar listing
- Social media posts
- Inclusion in e-newsletter (as timing allows)
Outreach to local leaders, dignitaries, and community partners
Staff support at the event, including brief remarks
Event planning guidance (timeline, templates, checklists)
Photos for Chamber social media and post-event recap
What the Business provides:
Select and confirm the date/time (minimum 2 weeks in advance)
Secure your location (on-site or special venue)
Send invitations to clients, partners, and personal guests
Designate a spokesperson to welcome attendees and give brief remarks
Provide refreshments (optional but encouraged)
Promote the event on your own social media, website, or email
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:
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
Invite special guests such as local officials, legislators, business partners, and media
Coordinate schedules with the Chamber, Town or County representatives, and other key stakeholders
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
Local elected officials and business leaders
Media outlets and community partners
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