Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings

Ready to announce your grand opening? Are you celebrating an anniversary or major milestone in your business? A ribbon cutting ceremony is a great way to celebrate the news and Elevate Rapid City is here to help.

Ribbon Cutting and Groundbreaking ceremonies are an investor-exclusive service with Elevate Rapid City. Not yet an investor? Click here to get started

In order to schedule Elevate presence at your ribbon cutting, your company should meet one of the following criteria: 

• New – opened your doors within the past 12 months  
• Changed ownership or management within the past 6 months 
• Moved to a new location or had a remodel/expansion at your present location 
• Celebrating a significant anniversary 
• Must be a paid investor with dues paid in full 

How to Schedule a Ribbon Cutting

To get started with your ribbon cutting or groundbreaking ceremony please contact us at least 3 weeks in advance.

• Ribbon Cuttings are offered 9 am – 4 pm, Tuesday-Thursday. Maximum of 1 per day (subject to availability). 

• We are not able to accommodate ribbon cuttings on Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, and dates that correspond with Elevate events.
• Please check before you finalize a date to ensure availability.

Click Here to Check Availability

This is your celebration and we are so excited to play a part by helping you share the news. We understand not every business regularly hosts events so we have a few tips and guidelines to help you make your event successful.

• Send out Invitations - This is your event. We encourage you to think about inviting anyone supportive of your business. Not everyone will be able to attend, but this celebration can be as large or small as you’d like it to be. These are some individuals you may wish to invite:
  • Employees
  • Family and friends
  • Customers
  • Vendors/suppliers
  • Business partners/advisors like your banker, lawyer, accountant, contractors, etc.
  • Neighboring businesses
  • Prospective customers
  • Organizations/non-profits you and/or your business supports
  • Other dignitaries from key civic, professional, trade or business organizations
  • Your employee family members, past employees, or others who are supportive
  • You may also want to create a social media event. Please feel free to add Elevate as co-host of the event.
• Ensure that you provide the correct address and any specific parking instructions
• Coordinate and supply any refreshments. Contact us for a catering list if you need ideas.
• Plan your script/agenda
• Determine which business representative(s) will cut the ribbon
• Send any media invites

Other considerations for a successful event:

• Remember this is your party, it is time to celebrate and showcase your business in the best light. Coach your staff and encourage them to interact with attendees.
• Consider offering tours or having promotional items available. Some businesses offer free samples or a special coupon for the day of the event.
• To minimize the potential for conflict, avoid scheduling your event around holidays and other community events – this can reduce turnout for yours. Also consider how the time of day might affect your guest attendance and plan accordingly.
• If you are counting on key dignitaries/civic leaders to speak or attend your event, it is important you check their calendars in advance to confirm attendance before you finalize your invitation to others.
• If you have concerns about the size and audience, you may want to consider renting a sound system or chairs.
• Some businesses like to hire a professional photographer to help capture the celebration.

The Elevate Rapid City Ribbon Cutting Task Force is comprised of business leaders who are passionate about supporting local businesses. They represent Elevate at ribbon cutting celebrations and can be a great resource as you are growing your network.

2025 Ribbon Cutting Task Force Members

Alex Faini, KOTA Territory
Brenan Desch, Midco
Chris Heino, Growth Business Solutions - EOS Worldwide
Darcy Zandstra, Nothing Bundt Cakes
Debbie Pack, KSLT
Greg Robinson, SDN Communications
Jason Wittenberg, Black Hills Federal Credit Union
Jennifer Baloun, BankWest
Joel Hermann, First Interstate Bank
Michele Loobey-Gertsch, Black Hills Works Foundation
Susan Sharpe, Farm Bureau
Tim Christofferson, KSLT
Vesta Wells Johnson, Creative Digital Replication

Interested in joining? Click Here to view the application.