GROUNDBREAKINGS & RIBBON CUTTINGS
Upcoming eventsMake it Official with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
Opening a new location with a ribbon cutting? Holding a groundbreaking? Marking an anniversary? Greater Omaha Chamber wants to help you celebrate.
Ribbon Cutting ceremonies are a members-only service, where we provide:
- The option to reserve ceremonial scissors.
- Event tip sheet to help you plan. You can find this in the Member Hub under Resources.
- Free event announcement on Member News.
- An Omaha-area media list (in the Member Hub under Resources).
Check out some quick tips to get you started.
Guidelines
We are very happy to assist with your special event. Borrowing the Greater Omaha Chamber’s ceremonial scissors is a service we proudly provide our members.
There are just a few guidelines and pieces of information to remember as you plan your celebration.
- Please reserve the scissors at least two weeks in advance.
- Availability of the scissors is scheduled on a “first come, first served” basis. We also advise that you will need at least two weeks to do your own event planning (inviting customers/vendors/employees and getting your location ready to have a great event).
- We have very limited availability to attend your event, but if you would like a Chamber presence (staff and volunteers) at your ribbon cutting, please fill out the scheduling form.
- In order to schedule a Chamber presence at your ribbon cutting, your company should meet one of the following criteria:
- New – opened your doors within the past 12 months (not including any COVID shutdowns)
- Changed ownership or management within the past 6 months
- Moved to a new location or had a remodel/expansion at your present location
- In case of inclement weather (Omaha Public Schools close), our staff and volunteers will not be able to attend your scheduled event. If you choose to reschedule, we will work to find another date with you.
Join the Red Ribbon Crew
If you like networking, supporting local business and creating connections around the city, you would be a good fit for the Red Ribbon Crew.
Your Steps to Hosting a Successful Event.
Set the Date
To minimize the potential for conflict, avoid scheduling your event around holidays and other community events – this can reduce turnout for yours. Also consider how the time of day might affect your guest attendance and plan accordingly.
If you are counting on key dignitaries/civic leaders to speak or attend your event, it is important you check their calendars in advance to confirm attendance before you finalize your invitation to others.
The following links can help you quickly avoid a scheduling issue:
You can also check local media outlets regarding area happenings; school districts/colleges to find information on their events/graduations; and even the Greater Omaha Chamber’s calendar to avoid other large event conflicts.
Location Considerations
Generally, the location of your event should be the location which is opening/re-opening or where the construction will take place. It is important to think through your venue and how you will safely accommodate those you invite. Make sure to give any neighbors and/or your landlord a heads up that there will be guests in and around your location.
If you plan to be outdoors, make a back-up plan for inclement weather. Also, be mindful of the fire code/occupancy regulations if you plan to have people inside a location.
Don’t forget about signage and parking. Clearly mark where your guests should park and where your building entrance is (or where you expect guests to gather outside).
Determine the Guest List
Your grand opening, ribbon cutting or groundbreaking event is a great opportunity to bring people together and highlight your business.
This is your event so we encourage you to think about inviting anyone supportive of your business. Not everyone will be able to attend, but this celebration can be as large or small as you’d like it to be.
These are some individuals you may wish to invite:
- Employees
- Family and friends
- Customers
- Vendors/suppliers
- Business partners/advisors like your banker, lawyer, accountant, contractors, etc.
- Neighboring businesses
- Prospective customers
- Organizations/non-profits you and/or your business supports
- Other dignitaries from key civic, professional, trade or business organizations
- Your employee’s family members, past employees, or others who are supportive
Plan Event Activities
Based upon the size and scope of the event, you will need to make various arrangements. This can include:
- Agenda
- Props
- Other rentals, such as a sound systems or chairs
- Food and drink
- Presentations
- Photography
- Staff assignments
Promote Your Event
Sending invitations to your guest list will be where most of your event attendance will come from. If you have invited the Chamber to participate in the event, this will include a staff person and about 6-8 volunteers from our Red Ribbon Crew.
You can also use Chamber resources to help spread the word to others in the community.
- Post your event details or just the good news surrounding your occasion on Member News.
- Login to the Member Hub to:
- Access a public relations toolkit
- An expanded guide on hosting an event, including a event checklist
- On the day of the event, be sure to share photos of your event on social media and tag @OmahaChamber with the hashtag #WeDontCoast.