Chamber Implements New Ribbon Cutting Initiative

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce has launched a new Ribbon Cutting Initiative designed to better serve our members and meet the growing demand for these celebratory events.

Ribbon cuttings remain one of our most requested services, providing businesses with a meaningful way to celebrate milestones such as grand openings, anniversaries, and more. To help us tailor each event to the member’s specific goals, we’ve introduced a new Ribbon Cutting Request Form that allows businesses to rank their priorities with options varying from community engagement to media exposure. This helps our staff align expectations and deliver an experience that reflects each member’s vision.

As part of this initiative, we’ve also implemented clear policies and scheduling guidelines to ensure consistency and quality. Ceremonies may be held Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with at least four weeks’ notice. Ribbon cuttings are available exclusively to Chamber members celebrating qualifying milestones.

Members can now choose between two levels of service:

• The Classic Ribbon Cutting (included with membership; $250 value) includes a Master of Ceremonies, agenda planning assistance, promotional materials, invitations to elected officials, ceremonial ribbon and scissors, and event promotion on the Chamber website and in the Wednesday newsletter.

• The Premium Ribbon Cutting ($250 cost; $500 value) builds on the Classic offering with additional promotional features, including a media advisory sent prior to the event, an in-house written press release distributed to local media and featured in the Thursday newsletter, short-form social media video content, and a framed ceremony photo meant to provide extended visibility beyond the day of the event.

To finalize an event date and confirm the service offering, a brief call with Kyra McKinnon, Marketing & Events Coordinator, is required to review details and logistics. We’ve also developed a set of thought-provoking questions designed to help members consider aspects of their event they may not have previously thought about and to guide the planning conversation.

These updates reflect our commitment to celebrating members’ success with the same level of professionalism, visibility, and community connection that defines every Chamber initiative.

Businesses interested in scheduling a ribbon cutting can learn more here or by contacting Kyra McKinnon, Marketing & Events Coordinator, kmckinnon@columbiamontourchamber.com.