One of the benefits of becoming a Chamber Member is a
celebratory Ribbon Cutting ceremony. This is a great way to
showcase your new business or celebrate a special event such
as an anniversary, new management or business
expansion. Many of our new members have found this to be a
great asset to their marketing plan. For existing
businesses, it is an opportunity to let people know that you
are actively supporting your community through your
involvement with the Chamber. For those businesses who are
building a new facility, a ground breaking will jumpstart
your presence in the community.
The Chamber will work with you to arrange the details of the
ceremony, but here are a few suggestions for increasing
the effectiveness of the event:
â–ª Plan your ribbon cutting on proven best days and times.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:30 AM followed
by a light lunch reception, or 5:00 PM followed by a Tuesday
Business Blender, are the best choices. Groundbreakings
are best scheduled first thing in the morning at 9:00AM and
can be followed by light breakfast refreshments.
â–ª Having refreshments available immediately following the
ceremony will encourage visitors to spend some time
exploring your place of business and inquiring as to how you
can serve their needs in the future. Refreshments for an
11:30 event should be sufficient for lunch. The Business
Blender option is more involved but delivers a larger crowd.
For ideas on refreshments or members who can provide
catering services, please call the Chamber.
â–ª Advertise the event through your local paper or by
sending personal invitations to existing customers or your
target
market.
â–ª Post a notice in your facility for several days prior
to the event inviting the public.
â–ª Offer a special promotion or sale of some type for the
day to encourage attendees to give your business a try for
themselves and refer you to others.
â–ª The Chamber publicizes all upcoming Ribbon Cuttings in
the Focus Newsletter as well as on the Web site and by
email broadcasts. The Chamber staff will be happy to assist
you in creating a flyer to promote the event. Additional
broadcast emails and faxes are a cost effective way to
advertise your event to hundreds. The Chamber also invites
local media to all ribbon cuttings and submits photos when
they are unable to attend. An additional ad is purchased by
the Chamber in the Fort Bend Sun advertising the recent
ribbon cuttings.
â–ª Be creative. Other options might include 1) inviting
your pastor or clergyman to offer a business blessing, 2)
offering
tours of your facility, or 3) displaying your marketing
materials or providing promotional give aways.
Please call our Member Services Director at the Chamber
office, 281-342-5464, with any questions you may have or to
schedule your personal Ribbon Cutting or Ground Breaking
ceremony.