Make The Most Of Your Ribbon Cutting
Forward Janesville is eager to help you celebrate your business. As you begin considering a Ribbon Cutting event, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
What businesses are eligible to host a Forward Janesville Ribbon Cutting?
Ribbon Cuttings are included at no additional cost as a benefit to Forward Janesville member businesses in good standing. Those businesses typically are celebrating: opening a new business/organization; moving to a new location; transferring the business to new ownership; breaking ground on or completing major expansions; marking a milestone anniversary; significantly changing or rebranding the business.
When can I hold a Ribbon Cutting?
Forward Janesville recommends conducting Ribbon Cuttings on weekdays, with best attendance seen Tuesday-Thursday over the noon hour or late in the afternoon (4 p.m.). Ribbon cuttings are not scheduled on weekends or holidays.
If you are hoping to hold the Ribbon Cutting in conjunction with a weekend Open House-type of event, we recommend holding the Ribbon Cutting on a weekday leading up that event, and using the promotion of the Ribbon Cutting to get the word out to the public about your weekend event.
Businesses should fill out this form (link) to get the planning process started at least one month in advance to secure a date and start the planning process.
Who should I invite?
We love a celebration – no matter how big or small.
If you’re looking to keep things small but want to take advantage of the exposure, keep the event private to your team and work with Forward Janesville on how many folks to invite from their Staff, Ambassadors and/or Board of Directors.
If you’re looking to go big, we will help amplify your marketing to alert the public, assist you in notifying members of the press, government officials and community leaders.
What should I contribute as the business that is hosting?
- Get the word out! We’re here to help, but if you’re looking to make this a big event, make sure to invite your customers, supporters and more!
- On social media? Create an event. It’s a great way to get folks interested and queue them up for automatic reminders of your big day.
- Serving food and beverage? Let the professionals handle it and use the opportunity to collaborate with a fellow Forward Janesville member. We'll get you a list!
What is included as part of my membership?
For Forward Janesville businesses at the Basic Level of membership we will:
- supply the ribbon and giant scissors;
- invite our volunteer Ambassadors and Board members (if member chooses);
- promote your event (if open to the public) once in our Pulse e-newsletter, once in our Member Connect e-newsletter, and once in a pre-event social media post (note: member must provide a ribbon cutting flyer/graphic for use in pre-event marketing)
- promote your event once in a post-event social media post
Forward Janesville’s members at the Champions Club level enjoy those benefits, plus:
- access to Forward Janesville’s local and regional distribution list for press and dignitaries
- assistance with and delivery of a short press release
- a post-event standalone post on Forward Janesville’s blog at forwardjanesville.com
What if I don’t have a place to hold a Ribbon Cutting?
Ribbon Cuttings are most often held at the place of business. However, if your business is based at home, we are happy to help you celebrate at our Forward Janesville office or to help you facilitate hosting it at another public venue.
Have additional questions? Our team will help you get the ball rolling. Fill out this form so we can get the planning and discussion started soon!