ribbon cuttings

The Westmoreland County Chamber is always delighted to help introduce a new business and spread the good news throughout Westmoreland County. Chamber members celebrating a grand opening, ground breaking, major facility remodel, or some other significant change to your location or product offerings, are invited to let the Chamber help spread the word with one of our trademark Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies.
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Ribbon Cuttings should be scheduled at least 30 days in advance (more time is always appreciated) and no more than three months after an announcement or opening. Ribbon Cuttings held on weekdays over the lunch hour or late afternoon tend to gather the most people.
The Chamber will notify our Ambassadors, Board of Directors, and membership of your upcoming event. You should also invite your vendors, customers, family, friends, colleagues, local elected officials, and local media.

The option is yours, but some hosts elect to provide light refreshments, a small gift/token for guests, and a door prize to spread good will and further promote return business.
The Chamber will supply oversized ceremonial scissors, red ribbon, and a plaque to be presented to the host by a key Chamber leader. We will also take photos, but it’s often a good idea to ask an employee, co-worker, or friend to take additional pictures as a keepsake or for your own publicity efforts. Photos will be published in the monthly Chamber newsletter and on the Chamber's Facebook page.

Why Do A Ribbon Cutting?
​First, it’s a great way to draw attention to your new venture. For hundreds of years ribbon cutting ceremonies have highlighted the opening of new buildings and businesses. Most often, the ceremony is conducted in just the manner as the name suggests—by tying a ceremonial ribbon across the main entrance of the building, which is then cut with fanfare by a group of dignitaries to signify a new beginning and to declare the establishment open for business. Frequently, VIPs and local political leaders will be invited to do the honors and cut the ribbon. The new business owner or key executive may also do the honors. In either case, members of the media are often invited to photograph or broadcast the staged event.

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