Ribbon Cuttings

A ribbon cutting is the ceremonial opening of a brand-new or newly-renovated/relocated business that has celebrated one of these within the last 6 months. It can inaugurate a business’s first day of business or it can take place weeks after the business’s soft opening. The Chamber will also consider ribbon cutting requests for renovation/expansion and anniversary celebrations.

Yes! You actually cut a ribbon. Each business decides where they would like to cut their ribbon. The most common location is the main entrance of the building but it can also be stretched across another important location within the business, especially during inclement weather.

Because the ribbon cutting marks a very significant moment in the business’s history, this is also a great photo opportunity. Each business chooses the group, or groups, of people they want assembled for their photos. Furthermore, the ribbon cutting ceremony gives the business owner or manager a chance to say a few words to those gathered.

Business owners have used this time to publicly thank their financial backers, their employees, their friends and family, and/or their business partners. They also take the opportunity to talk about what their business does. You must be a new or current Chamber member in good standing for the Farmington Regional Chamber to endorse and help coordinate your ribbon cutting.

By hosting a ribbon cutting, you can: 

• Introduce Chamber members to your business
• Publicize your business within the local community
• Generate possible leads and sales from attendees and those who heard about it

We provide all of the following services absolutely free to Farmington Regional Chamber members as part of your member benefits!   The Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce will gladly:

• Promote your event through our
  • Online calendar (average 3,000 views/month)
  • Eat Shop Play in the Parkland app under events (2,600+ downloads)
  • Facebook page with over 6,000 followers
  • eBlast newsletter sent to approximately 900 people
  • Announcements during our monthly radio shows on all 3 local radio stations (KFMO/B104, J98/KREI, Froggy)
• Invite the Chamber Board of Directors and local government officials to attend
• Arrive at your location early to deliver your ribbon and official ribbon-cutting scissors
• Welcome attendees and speak at your ribbon cutting, if you wish
• Take a photo of your ribbon cutting and email it to you and to local media representatives following the event

Choose the day/time for your event wisely

• We will schedule your ribbon-cutting on the days and times you request, permitting there are no other conflicting events on the Chamber calendar.
• For optimal promotion we suggest you schedule your ribbon-cutting at least a month to 6 weeks in advance and no less than 2 weeks, to allow individuals plenty of time to make plans to attend.
• In our experience the best attended ribbon-cuttings are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at lunchtime. If you chose to schedule outside of these times, simply be aware that attendance may be less than optimal.
• If you wish to host an Open House, businesses generally add hours on either side of the ribbon-cutting.

Items to plan and prepare in advance

• Consider sending a special invitation to your clients, friends and family.
• Consider offering a drawing or raffle to collect business cards to build your database. Also, be sure to promote this in your materials and social media.
• If you’re planning a special raffle, drawing or refreshments, be sure to let the Chamber know well in advance so we can include this information when promoting the event.
• Ensure there is plenty of signage directing new-comers to your business
• Decide ahead of time who will cut the ribbon? The owners or top executives most frequently do the honors, but each business is different and can pick whomever they like
• Who will hold each end of the ribbon?
• Scout out where you’d like the photo to be staged, ensuring there is business signage in the photo and consider the lighting for optimal photo. We will also consult with you on the location when we arrive.
• What you wish to share when you speak, just before the ribbon is cut. Please limit the speech to 3 minutes.

Refreshments, drinks, door prizes, and decorations are all optional and up to you. Many businesses add these extra touches when conducting a public grand opening in conjunction with the ribbon cutting. Keep in mind, however, that ribbon cuttings are typically short and sweet. The typical ribbon cutting event will last only 15-30 minutes.