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Ribbon Cutting & Open House FAQs
Who can have a Westlake Chamber sponsored Ribbon Cutting or Open House event?Westlake Chamber members at the Silver, Gold, Diamond or Platinum level may host a ribbon cutting or open house at their business location once every three years. Ribbon Cuttings for Bronze level members are available for $150.
What dates are available for our event?Our only restrictions are to not schedule a Ribbon Cutting/Open House on the same date as another Chamber event and to limit the Ribbon Cuttings/Open Houses to one per week so as to encourage the highest possible member attendance for you. Beyond that, the date is of your choosing. Please consult the event calendar at www.WestlakeChamber.com for upcoming Chamber events. When you are selecting your date, the further out you schedule it the more publicity we can provide. Ideally, we would like to also place the announcement in the Picayune, in the programs handed out at the monthly Luncheon and in the publications that go out to the Westlake homes. Unfortunately, most of those publication deadlines are a month out and many people can’t schedule that far in advance. Regardless of what date you choose, we’ll give it as much publicity as we possibly can.
What times are suggested for our event?Some people choose a mid-day open house (11:30 – 1:30) while others choose an after-hours reception (5:30 to 7:30 or 6-8). The weekday after-hour events tend to have the best turnout as people stop in on their way home. Saturdays have our lightest member attendance.
Who do I contact to schedule the event?
Call or email Susan Difani at the Chamber office. Her contact information is:
Susan Difani
512.327.3088
Who can we invite to the event?Please invite your clients, customers, friends, neighbors and anyone else you can think of. The Chamber will invite Chamber members and city dignitaries as well as publicize it to our database.
Who cuts the ribbon and when is it cut?The ribbon cutting “ceremony” itself can be at the beginning, middle or end of your event. You just need to let us know what works for you. For the ceremony, a representative for the Chamber will welcome everyone and make introductions. You, or the designated member of your organization, would next welcome everyone; say a few words about the business, etc. Following this, we will prepare for the photo. You and your employees will be front and center and chamber members will stand on each end to hold the ribbon. Guests would stand to the sides and behind. You, or someone you designate, will hold our “big scissors” for the ceremonial cut. The photographer will snap a few pictures before and then one as you cut. We’ll send you a copy of the photo and we’ll send one to the Picayune. You can also keep the ribbon. One company had everyone that was present sign the ribbon with a sharpie and then they framed it and hung it in their office. Another let a little girl keep it which, of course, made her day. It’s completely up to you.
How is the event promoted by the Chamber?Once you have confirmed the date with Susan and provided her with the time, address and any other pertinent details, we will promote your ribbon cutting in our bi-weekly newsletters. We will also submit a photo of the ribbon cutting to the Westlake Picayune to run in the Chamber section which is printed the first issue of each month.
Who provides refreshments and what types are suggested?
The Chamber does not provide food or beverages so as to allow you to tailor the event to best suit your clientele and your business environment. Some people serve cake and bottled water while others go all out with passed Hors D’oeuvers and wines. If you would like recommendations of Chamber members who provide bakery, catering or wine services, please contact the Chamber office at info@WestlakeChamber.com or 512.327.3088.