Why not cut a ribbon?

By LYNNE CONLAN

Executive Director, Sun City Center Area Chamber of Commerce

I talk all the time about the value of joining the chamber’s membership ranks. But there is one benefit I see that our new members are not taking advantage of — ribbon-cuttings. And when you want to draw attention to your business in a big way, a ribbon-cutting ceremony makes a big splash without forcing you to spend a lot of money.

Here’s how easy it is. Call the chamber to select a date and time. We can help you determine what would work best. Obviously, if you have a storefront in the area, we’ll get other members over to your place. If you don’t have a storefront or your place of business is not located in Sun City Center proper, I would recommend scheduling your ribbon-cutting at the chamber right after one of our events. That assures you of a built-in crowd. 

The chamber will send out an invite to all members. The good news is we’ve got the big scissors, ribbon and a camera so we’ll submit pictures of this momentous event to our local papers.

 For your part, invite your friends and family. And consider supplying some type of snack. Our members are motivated by food. You may want to raffle off a couple of prizes. Supply a bowl for the attendees to drop their business cards in, and you’ll end up with a bowl full of contacts. Following the ribbon-cutting, you’ll get the chance to talk about your business or service so get your elevator pitch ready. 

If you’re marketing a product, you’ll want to have it on hand. For example, Cathy Register always brings her Mary Kay samples to our networking meetings. And Jerry Meeks from Send Out Cards brings samples of his cards along with good marketing tips on how best to use them. If you offer a service, a demo may be in order. 

A note to George Conlan from Natural Stone Care: Your business is a little difficult to explain. Consider bringing us some before and after samples of the work you do on granite, marble and travertine. 

And Frank Lapniewski of Organic Resources: I’m still working on how we can demo your crazy and wonderful kitty litter additive.

I Googled “ribbon-cutting” to see if there was anything I missed. One chamber director half way across the country goes way overboard on his ribbon-cuttings. He recommends you hire an emcee and a caterer and was very strict about the dress code. Seriously? But his best ­— or is it his worst — suggestion is that you need to hire a magician. I’m truly confused. Is that to make the executive director of the chamber disappear? I would want to reappear in time for the snacks. 

Here’s a heads up. Our next ribbon-cutting will be July 11 at 1 p.m. at the chamber following our weekly Exchange networking group meeting. We will be welcoming Physician Partners of America who will be represented by the chamber board’s chairwoman, Connie Huber. And I have it on good authority, there will be cake! Join us in welcoming them to our community.