While the City of West Allis works hard to accommodate the scheduling preferences of businesses, we must also consider the availability of staff and City officials to ensure a successful event. For this reason, we only guarantee City participation in ribbon cutting ceremonies with a minimum two-week notice and our expressed prior confirmation of the date. Ideally, it is best to work with the City before selecting your date.

The ceremony itself runs anywhere from 15-20 minutes. After the ribbon is cut and pictures are taken, welcoming remarks are given by the Mayor or his designee followed by an opportunity for a representative of the business to speak. The City does not require RSVPs to attend ribbon cuttings. Attendance at ribbon-cutting ceremonies varies depending on the time and date selected and how much promotion is done on behalf of the business.

The City will hold a ribbon cutting to welcome a new business to the community between opening and up to six months after opening.

We also have held ribbon cuttings to celebrate major renovations and remodels, for breaking ground on a new development, or for milestone anniversaries or re-openings.

The City will

• Arrange for Mayor Devine and City Officials to appear

• Provide scissors and ribbon for the ceremony

For a successful ribbon cutting, we recommend that the business

• Invites family, friends, customers, etc.

• Designates a representative in advance to give remarks at the ceremony

• Provide tours at the event or an open-house

• Place business cards and/or brochures around common areas

• Serve light snacks and/or beverages (optional)

To schedule a ribbon cutting, contact the Tourism & Event Manager by email or by calling 414-302-8357.