A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates a new business, a new location or a big milestone, and for a chamber of commerce it’s one of the best ways to show members what membership gets them. Plan it two to four weeks out, keep the program to about 15 minutes, invite the chamber, local officials and the business’s own customers, and get great photos. The real value comes after: sharing the photos, the press mention and the social posts.
What the chamber usually does
Most chambers offer ribbon cuttings as a member benefit. The chamber typically:
- Provides the ribbon and the oversized ceremonial scissors.
- Invites chamber ambassadors, board members and local officials.
- Promotes the event to members and on social media.
- Photographs it and shares the photos.
- Sends a short announcement to local media.
The business usually invites its own customers, staff and family, and often provides light refreshments.
Ribbon cutting checklist
2 to 4 weeks before
- Pick a date and time. Late afternoon or lunchtime draws more people.
- Confirm who will speak and who will cut the ribbon.
- Invite local officials, if you’d like them there.
- Announce it to chamber members and on social media.
The week before
- Confirm attendance from speakers and officials.
- Plan refreshments and any giveaways.
- Send a reminder to members.
The day of
- Set up the ribbon across the entrance, with room for a group photo.
- Have the scissors, a photographer and a microphone if the space is large.
- Start on time.
After
- Share photos within a day, tagging the business.
- Send the photo and a short write-up to local media.
- Feature the business in the chamber newsletter.
A sample 15-minute program
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 0:00 | Welcome from the chamber |
| 0:02 | Remarks from the business owner |
| 0:07 | A few words from a local official, if attending |
| 0:10 | Countdown and ribbon cutting |
| 0:12 | Group photo |
| 0:15 | Tours, refreshments and mingling |
Ribbon cutting ideas that stand out
- Use something other than a ribbon that fits the business: a chain of donuts for a bakery, a strip of film for a photographer, a measuring tape for a contractor.
- Do a countdown with the crowd. It makes a better video.
- Offer an opening-day special for anyone who attends.
- Give tours, especially for businesses people rarely see inside.
- Invite a local school or nonprofit the business supports.
- Shoot a short video, not just photos. It does better on social.
Get the most out of it
The ceremony lasts 15 minutes. The publicity can last for weeks:
- Post the photo and video on the chamber’s and the business’s social media.
- Feature the business as a member spotlight in the newsletter.
- Add the photo to the business’s directory listing.
For more chamber ideas, see our chamber of commerce marketing plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ribbon cutting ceremony?
A short ceremony to celebrate a business opening, new location or milestone, where a ribbon is cut in front of guests, usually with remarks and a group photo.
How long should a ribbon cutting ceremony be?
About 15 minutes for the program itself, with time afterward for tours and mingling.
Who cuts the ribbon at a ribbon cutting?
Usually the business owner, often joined by staff, family, chamber representatives and local officials.
What does a chamber of commerce do for a ribbon cutting?
Most chambers provide the ribbon and scissors, invite members and officials, promote the event and share photos as a member benefit.
Show off every new member
Purple Pushpin gives chambers a public business directory, featured listings, member of the month and email, so every ribbon cutting has somewhere to live after the ceremony.