Hosting a Ribbon Cutting is a powerful way to introduce (or re-introduce) your business to the community, meet fellow business owners, and create shareable PR moments.
Who Qualifies
You’re a great fit if your organization:
- Opened within the last 12 months
- Changed ownership
- Moved locations or expanded/remodeled your current space
- Is celebrating an anniversary
Not sure if you qualify? Reach out and we’re happy to help you decide.
What You Can Expect
Ribbon Cuttings are scheduled Monday–Friday at 12:00 PM.
We prefer 3 weeks’ notice, and we’ll help you choose a date that doesn’t conflict with other events on our calendar.
For locations outside the City of Porterville, we recommend inviting at least one partner Chamber for joint participation.
Average attendance: 10–15 people. You’re encouraged to invite your own guests for maximum buzz.
What the Chamber Provides
- A warm welcome and short remarks from a Chamber representative
- Coordination and distribution of a press release (pre-event marketing support included)
- Ribbon and giant scissors
- Informal photography at the event; we’ll share the photo to our website, Facebook page, newsletter, and local media
- Invitations to Board Directors, Ambassadors, and local dignitaries
- Guidance on event flow and best practices
What We Ask of the Host
- Say a few words: introduce your business, share your story, and thank attendees
- Choose the photo spot and who should be in the official photo
- Invite your network (clients, customers, partners)
- Optional but encouraged: provide light refreshments (please follow food safety practices)
- Ensure parking and accessibility for guests
How to Schedule
- Pick a preferred week (3+ weeks out) and check our calendar.
- Submit your request with your top two dates/times and basic details (business name, address, contact, reason for celebration).
- We’ll confirm, align on a short run-of-show, and start promoting.
READY TO BOOK?
Sample Run-of-Show (30–40 minutes)
12:00 PM - 12:10 PM | Arrival & mingling
12:10 PM - 12:25 PM | Welcome & introductions, company representative speaks, certificate presentations
12:25 PM - 12:30 PM | Ribbon cutting & photos
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM | Meet-and-greet, tours, networking, optional giveaway
Promotion Checklist (Quick Wins)
Send us your logo, 2–3 photos, and 3–5 sentence blurb for the press release
Create a Facebook/Instagram event and invite your audience
Post behind-the-scenes stories leading up to the big day
Ask partners/suppliers to share your event
Prepare a simple special offer or door prize (optional)
Day-Of Logistics
Set up a welcome area near the photo spot
Reserve parking for dignitaries/guests if possible
Have your key people ready for the photo (owner, manager, team leads)
Place refreshments away from the ribbon area to keep the photo background clean
FAQs
Is there a fee?
Ribbon Cuttings are a benefit of Chamber membership.
Who cuts the ribbon?
Typically the owner or a designated representative. We’ll have Ambassadors hold the ribbon ends and provide the giant scissors.
Can we host at a different time?
Our standard time is 12:00 PM, Monday–Friday. If you need an alternative, contact us to discuss availability.
Can we livestream or record video?
Absolutely. Let us know in advance so we can help stage the shot. Photos taken by the Chamber may be used in our marketing.
Do you invite elected officials?
Yes, we invite local dignitaries as available; attendance is not guaranteed.
We’re just outside Porterville - can we still do this?
Yes! For locations beyond the city limits, we recommend inviting an additional area Chamber for joint participation.
READY TO CELEBRATE?
Or contact the Member Services Coordinator at info@portervillechamber.org or (559) 784-7502.