A chamber of commerce is a voluntary association whose membership is comprised of companies, civic leaders, and individual business people. At the local level, chambers of commerce strive to develop and publicize business opportunities in their communities. Local chambers of commerce offer a range of programs and services to their members, including information and advice on timely business matters, opportunities for networking and a variety of publications. Local chambers of commerce also provide their members with numerous opportunities — committees, special events, and so on — in which to express their specific views and concerns.

Bedford Area Chamber is not operated under a government or municipality. It is a 501(c)6 organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Virginia. A chamber of commerce is a voluntary association whose membership is comprised of companies, civic leaders, and individual business people.

Many of the Bedford Area Chamber’s members provide lodging, entertainment, shopping, and more. You can learn more about these options by visiting our Business Directory. You can also flip through our virtual Community Guide for a profile of the Bedford area. For the most in-depth tourist information, you’ll want to go to visit Destination Bedford, stop by the Bedford Area Welcome Center (816 Burks Hill Rd), or call (540) 587-5681.

Make your grand opening celebration, ribbon cutting, or groundbreaking ceremony an event with impact! Bedford Area Chamber offers assistance during your planning process and can provide:

• Ceremonial scissors
• Ribbon
• 2 golden shovels
• Promotion on Chamber communication channels (Facebook, e-newsletter, website, etc)
• Assistance with press releases (optional)
• Dignitary and media list (optional)
• Co-hosted Facebook event (optional)

Assistance with a grand opening, groundbreaking, or ribbon cutting is an exclusive benefit for Chamber members.

Below are tips and tricks for planning a successful grand opening celebration. If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your grand opening, groundbreaking, or ribbon cutting, please contact marketing@baccva.org. **MINIMUM 3 WEEKS NOTICE REQUIRED**

Types of Events

• Groundbreaking – If you’re building a new location and want to kick start promotion early, plan a groundbreaking ceremony. It’s best to already have some ground broken so that the ceremonial shoveling runs smoothly.
• Grand Opening – Your first showcase to the public as a business. Your business should be up and running at least 2 weeks prior to your grand opening. This will give you time to polish your business and to work out any unforeseen problems.
• Grand Re-Opening – If you have reconstructed, expanded, or opened a new location, now is your chance to reintroduce yourself to the public. Be sure all construction is completed ahead of time so attendees can see the finished product.

Set the date and time
Set a date that is convenient to your customers, suppliers and others. If you are having a special guest or dignitary as part of the festivities, you need to determine that person’s availability. In addition, you need to allow sufficient time to secure and deliver invitations as well as obtain other items and supplies necessary for the event. *QUICK TIP* In our experience, a ribbon cutting mid-week around lunch time is ideal for attendees. They aren’t traveling for business and will be hungry enough to stick around and enjoy refreshments and tour your location.

Timing is everything
Your grand opening should not compete with any other events. Check with civic, organizational, and governmental calendars.

Event timeline & speakers
Consider the timeline of the ceremony itself and who you would like to speak. While we at the Chamber are happy to welcome guests and say a few words, you know your business best. What do you want to say? Who do you want to thank? Is there anyone else who should be heard from? We also recommend selecting where you want the ribbon cutting photo to be taken, whether it be outside your building, in front of a sign, backdrop, etc.  

Consider the invitations
We suggest print or e-invitations to be sent out a month prior to the event. Include details like date, time, location, agenda. *QUICK TIP* Consider the following invitation platforms:

• Bedford Area Chamber Community Calendar – www.BedfordAreaChamber.org
• Destination Bedford VA Community Calendar – www.DestinationBedfordVA.com
• Constant Contact – www.ConstantContact.com
• Evite –  www.Evite.Com
• Paperless Post – www.paperlesspost.com

Push the press
Compile a list of media contacts. Remember to include press wherever your current and/or potential customers reside. Let the press know if dignitaries are attending to increase interest.

Listing of local elected officials:
Town of Bedford
Bedford County

Blitz the media

• Post information about your grand opening on relevant websites.
• Email press releases to area newspapers and publications.
• Contact your local radio and television stations. Include the date, time, specials, directions, a contact name, and phone number. There is no guarantee that your grand opening will be covered, but any publicity would be very beneficial to your business.
• Decorations – Design your decorations to attract attention to your business. Choose colors that accentuate and implement a theme to the decorations. Decorate the outside as well as the inside of your business.
• Refreshments – Decide what refreshments to serve. Your budget and the time of day should be considered. Ceremonies planned during mealtimes should have heavier offerings.
• Music and announcements – Music adds a nice touch to any event. Consider the mood that you would like to set. Don’t forget a sound system may be necessary for announcements, proclamations or speeches.