Renee Lopata

I remember my first ribbon cutting.  It was about 1972 in Springfield, Illinois at the opening of my dad’s new office building.  The mayor was in attendance, my dad’s amazing staff, all six of his kids and, of course, a photographer to commemorate the event.  My mother cut the ribbon and the crowd went wild!  Quite a first impression for an event I would later become a pro at.

I am celebrating my 14^th year at the Tempe Chamber this month and one of my favorite responsibilities includes scheduling, coordinating and implementing ribbon cuttings for our members.  I am only estimating, but I believe I have attended more than 700 ribbon cuttings in my career. 

These ribbon cuttings have included major development/building openings with music, ice sculptures, fine food, VIPs from across the country and many local dignitaries, to “Mom and Pop” stores with their staff and families in attendance.  I enjoy each and every one of these events and each time I have the privilege of helping one of our members, I think back to my very first ribbon cutting and how important it was to our family, Dad’s staff and the community at large.  

The Tempe Chamber provides complimentary ribbon cuttings for any of our members and we also celebrate many milestones, including:

New Memberships
We invite the Ambassador committee to attend these ribbon cuttings and learn about your business in order to promote your products and services. The ribbon cutting photograph is placed in our newsletter with a short write-up.  

Anniversary Celebrations
Are you in celebrating being in business for 5, 10, 20 years?  Let us help you acknowledge the occasion with a ribbon cutting!

New Building or Renovation
Has your business moved, remodeled or grown?  Let the Tempe Chamber help you get the word out.  Invite your business associate, clients and friends to be a part of your event.

This service is free to our members.  If you would like to enjoy one of the many benefits of membership through a ribbon cutting, please feel free to call or email me.

Renee Lopata is the Senior VP of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and leads the Membership Department. Contact her at renee@tempechamber.org or  (480) 736-4284.