Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Policies

The Chamber is proud to celebrate major milestones with our members through ribbon cutting ceremonies. To ensure these events are meaningful, well-executed, and fair to all members, we have established the following policies.

Eligibility & Event Limitations

• One Ceremony per Year: Each Chamber member is eligible for one ribbon cutting ceremony per calendar year due to the significant resources involved.

• Significant Milestones Only: Ribbon cuttings are reserved for major events such as:

  • Grand openings

  • First anniversaries

  • Milestone anniversaries (in 5-year increments)

  • New locations

  • Complete renovations or reconstructions

Events that do not qualify include:

• New office furniture or signage

• Brand refreshes or rebranding

• Staff returning to the office

• Addition of a partner to a firm or changes in partnership structure

• Driveway installations or small facility additions

We do not perform ribbon cuttings for political offices or agencies.

Scheduling Requirements

• Advance Notice: To maximize promotional opportunities, ribbon cuttings should be scheduled at least six weeks in advance. While shorter notice may be accommodated, exposure will be limited.

• Event Timing: Ribbon cuttings are only scheduled Monday through Friday at 12:00 PM or 4:00 PM, excluding holidays and subject to availability. The Chamber limits the number of ceremonies per week/month.

Winter Policy

The Chamber strongly advises against scheduling ribbon cuttings during winter months due to the increased risk of inclement weather.

• Any winter ceremony may be canceled at the Chamber’s discretion based on weather conditions.

• No rescheduling will be permitted within the same calendar year if the event is canceled.

• Attendance is typically low during winter months, regardless of the event’s indoor location.

• Members assume full responsibility for any disruptions, costs, or communication issues related to winter cancellations.

Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

• Cancellations are final. If your ribbon cutting is canceled for any reason, it cannot be rescheduled for 12 months.

• The Chamber promotes ribbon cuttings for six weeks prior to the event via radio, newsletters, social media, direct mail, and more. As such, we are unable to notify all attendees individually in the event of a cancellation.

• The member is responsible for all costs incurred by the Chamber and partners if the event is canceled. This includes, but is not limited to, a $50 fee for the production of a dated shadow box or plaque.

Construction & Project Completion

If your organization is under construction and you wish to plan a ribbon cutting for a grand opening:

• Please wait until the project is fully completed before reaching out to schedule your event.

• Scheduling should occur at least six weeks after completion to avoid last-minute changes and ensure readiness.

• This ensures the ceremony can proceed without delays due to unfinished construction, moving logistics, or incomplete furnishings, and allows your business to be presented in its best light.

Final Note

All ribbon cuttings are held at the discretion of the Chamber. Events may be subject to review, cancellation, or rescheduling at any time for any reason. Status updates will be communicated via the Chamber’s official website and Facebook page.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Guidelines

To ensure a successful and well-coordinated ribbon cutting event, please review the following requirements and recommendations:

Membership Requirement

• You must be an active member of the Chamber to be eligible for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

• New members will be charged a ribbon cutting fee, which will be applied as a credit toward your membership renewal the following year.

Planning & Scheduling

• Ribbon cuttings are scheduled during regular business hours, Monday through Friday at 12:00 PM or 4:00 PM, and are based on availability.

• A minimum of six weeks' notice is strongly recommended to allow for proper planning and promotional outreach by the Chamber.

• RSVPs are required for all attendees in advance of the event.

• Ribbon cuttings will not be scheduled until construction is fully completed, ensuring your space is guest-ready.

Event Preparation & Promotion

• We highly encourage you to attend one or two ribbon cuttings before hosting your own to gain insight into the flow and expectations of the event.

• To enhance your event, consider inviting your customers, family, friends, and professional network.

• We recommend working with fellow Chamber members for catering and refreshments.
  [Click here to view the Restaurants & Caterers in our Membership Directory.]

Cancellation & Fees

• In the event of a cancellation, the hosting organization is responsible for all costs incurred by the Chamber and its partners.

• This includes a $50 fee for the production of a dated shadow box or commemorative plaque.