It is perhaps the one thing that nearly all local chambers of commerce are known for:  the ribbon cutting.  It is exactly what you think it is.  A big pair of scissors, with an even bigger ribbon, along with the pomp and circumstance of business and community leaders ceremoniously welcoming a business to Wilson.  The Chamber is the “official” coordinator of such events for our community, and while you might expect these events to be reserved for newly opened businesses, that’s not always the case.  Here’s some things to consider when putting together a ribbon cutting for your business:
 
DO join the Chamber first.  We only coordinate ribbon cutting ceremonies for our members, and we don’t loan out scissors or ribbon for unofficial ceremonies.
 
DO contact us well in advance.  For consistency purposes, we try to only schedule ceremonies on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00am.  These dates fill up fast.  Call us at 252-237-0165 to reserve a date, and have a member of our team arrange details.
 
DO come to another member’s ribbon cutting before scheduling your own.  You’ll get a good idea of how the event is managed, while also showing support for a fellow member.  If you expect members to come to your ceremony, they should expect you to come to theirs.
 
DO invite family and friends.  We’ll invite our entire membership, but a ceremony is always more meaningful when those who helped you on your business journey are there to support you.
 
DO offer refreshments.  It doesn’t need to be elaborate, but offering something as simple as bottles of water or prepackaged snacks is a good way to demonstrate the hospitality of your business.
 
DO NOT think that ribbon cuttings are only for new businesses.  It is appropriate to hold ceremonies for expansions, renovations, new locations, and other milestones in your business.  Feel free to contact us if you have questions about whether your milestone qualifies.
 
DO NOT try to schedule a ribbon cutting to coincide with an open house, grand opening, or other type of “unveiling”.  It’s best to spread these promotions out separately, to maximize the exposure of your business.
 
DO NOT make the ribbon cutting your last encounter with your Chamber.  Use this opportunity to meet other members, and ask how the Chamber can help with other ways to promote your business.