Ribbon Cuttings
The San Leandro Chamber of Commerce staff and Ambassadors
are available for assistance in our members’ ribbon cuttings and/or grand
openings.
The San Leandro Chamber of Commerce will:
· Notify its membership of the event through our monthly e-mail newsletter.
· Ask Ambassadors to assist you and your guests.
· Notify Chamber Board of Directors and City Officials.
· Provide giant scissors, blue banner, and set up the group for a great photo.
Please review the guidelines and contact the San Leandro Chamber at (510) 351-1481 to schedule a date and time for your event.
Guidelines for Ribbon Cuttings
Set a Date - Give the Chamber at least one-month notice. Attendance will
vary based on the day. Please be aware of major holidays and community events.
The Chamber can be helpful in this area. We recommend Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Weekends are not recommended since elected officials and Chamber Ambassadors may
not attend.
Select a Time – Pick a time convenient for your guests. The Chamber
recommends 5:30-6:30 p.m. Please let us know the specific time the ribbon
cutting is to take place. Please be considerate of the time, as our Chamber
Ambassadors are volunteers who have their own time obligations.
Develop an Invitation List – Invite your potential and current customers,
suppliers, and employees. Is the public invited? If so, try to send a press
release to the local media a minimum of two weeks prior to the event.
Plan a Menu – If expenses allow, try to have some refreshments on hand.
Suggested menus include light hors d’oeuvres, finger foods and beverages.
Plan the Photo – Try to designate in advance the location where the
actual ribbon cutting photo will take place and who will be in the picture.
· Have a brief 10-minute program. Program can include opening remarks, welcome message or a brief description of your business.
· Include a guided tour of your facility.
· Display or give away gifts or promotional items with your logo or company name (a retail store may want to offer special discounts on that day).
· Display literature/brochures and business cards.
· Have a door prize and collect business cards of visitors. Door prize could be a sample of your product.
· Decorate your facility. Be creative and find ways to tie your product or service into the ceremony.