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Ribbon Cutting Guide
You qualify for a Chamber sponsored ribbon cutting if you are a member in good standing and have:
  • started a new business;
  • a new product or service so unique that it commands formal introduction;
  • changed ownership or are under new management;
  • moved to a new location; or
  • remodeled or expanded your exiting business

    • Ribbon cuttings can be as simple or as elaborate (inexpensive/expensive) as you like. You want all to know about your business, be hospitable while impressing the dignitaries that attend the ribbon cutting, etc., but you don't want your business to suffer by spending too much time or money on the ribbon cutting. Please be to the point, keep it simple and know that being frugal is a virtue that all understand.

    The Chamber expects questions, so give us a call at 559-591-2707 and we will help you coordinate this very important milestone in your company's success.

    Initial Steps

    Read the information contained in this document and plan/implement your part of the event.

    Decide when you and/or your facility will be ready for a ribbon cutting.

    Contact the Chamber (559-591-2707) as far in advance as is possible (at least two weeks) and request a ribbon cutting (dates and times are subject to negotiation).

    The Chamber

    Ribbon cuttings are free;a benefit of Chamber membership.

    The Chamber invites Chamber Board Directors, Chamber Ambassadors and dignitaries from local organizations and governments to attend the ribbon cutting.

    The Dinuba Sentinel will be invited to cover your ribbon cutting, but the Chamber cannot guarantee their participation. However, the following are things you can do to improve your chance of getting newspaper coverage.

  • In addition to the Chamber's invitation, personally call the Sentinel and ask that they cover the event. Call back the day before to jog their memory.

  • Follow-up with a letter inviting them to attend. The letter should include the who, what, when, where and why of the event.

    • The Chamber will take pictures, but you may also want a photographer of your choice to commemorate the event.

    Your ribbon cutting will be reported in the Chamber newsletter. A photo from the ribbon cutting will be posted on the Chamber web site. Your business information will be listed in the Chamber Directory (both hard copy and web site).

    Personal Invitations

    Share your success with people close to you.

    Invite friends and family (including those of key employees) and business associates.

    Send out invitations well in advance. R equest an RSVP (so that you can properly plan for food).

    This is a business--not a wedding—invitation. Stick to who, what, when, where and why (a map is always a good idea). Note that the Chamber can provide you with a list of fellow Chamber Representatives that can help you with invitations.

    Food

    Although food will require added time, stress and money, it will enhance your event.

    Most ribbon cuttings are lunchtime events. Your guests are using their lunch breaks to welcome your business and may be hungry. If you serve juice and cookies; finger sandwiches; cheeses, meat or vegetable trays; chips and dips; or something more substantial, all will be appreciated.

    If your food offering is substantial, a professional caterer is recommended. The cost will increase, but the time and stress will be reduced. If you provide the food, don’t forget disposable glasses, napkins, plates, silverware or whatever devices/ implements are required to serve and consume the food. Have enough conveniently located waste containers to receive used disposable items.

    Plan To

    Make all present your first customers. Don't high pressure anyone, but think about offering some kind of incentive to introduce your product or service.

    Talk about your business and introduce your employees. Your presentation should be:

  • Brief - no longer than 10 minutes.
  • Informative, but not necessarily dry (a little humor helps).

    • Assemble (you and your staff) in front of the Chamber dignitaries to cut the ceremonial ribbon. Pictures will be taken, so appropriate business dress and grooming will go a long way toward promoting your business image.

    Send thank-you letters to key participants.

    The Ceremony

    A time to market and advertise your business.

    The ceremony generally lasts from a few minutes to a half hour.

    Chamber Ambassadors conduct the ceremony . The ceremony is normally limited to introductions, brief speeches by Chamber Representatives , your presentation , the ribbon cutting and a brief period of socialization with or without food.

    Miss Dinuba is usually available to cut the ceremonial ribbon. The business may cut the ribbon themselves if they so prefer. The Chamber will provide the scissors and ribbon.

    Your ribbon cutting will be reported in the Chamber newsletter. A photo from the ribbon cutting will be posted on the Chamber web site. Your business information will be listed in the Chamber Directory (both hard copy and web site).

    Need Further Information or Help?

    Contact the Chamber at 559-591-2707.