The City of Hagerstown is pleased to coordinate Grand Opening and Anniversary celebrations for Hagerstown businesses. Grand openings are held for new businesses or for business at a new location. Anniversary celebrations are held for business in operation 5 years, and for subsequent 5 year anniversaries.

We will coordinate with the business and Mayor and Council’s office to schedule ceremonies at a mutually convenient time. Ceremonies are usually scheduled during City business hours, with the Mayor typically being available on Tuesdays before 2 pm. At other times, in lieu of the Mayor, we will coordinate to have a City Councilmember in attendance.

PLEASE NOTE: While we strive to serve and promote all businesses in Hagerstown with grand opening and anniversary celebrations, if you schedule your own date for a grand opening or anniversary celebration before coordinating with City Staff, we cannot guarantee full coordination of the event or that the Mayor or Councilmember will be able to attend.

 

Once we receive your request for a City-coordinated celebration, we must ensure the following:

 

• that your business is located within the corporate boundaries of the City*;

• that your business is in good standing with the City and with the State of Maryland;

• that your place of business has obtained all permits and inspections required by the City’s Code Department;

• that your place of business has been inspected by the Fire Marshal.

Once we have ensured compliance, we ask for at least 4 weeks to schedule and coordinate the event.

 

* Please refer to Hagerstown City Boundary Map to confirm your location is within City limits.

 

What the City provides for Grand Opening/Anniversary Celebrations:

 

• Digital Flyer: a Grand Opening / Anniversary Celebration Flyer emailed to dignitaries and provided to you for your use

• Advertising: a 1-week sponsored Facebook post or Chamber eblast.

• Media Release: sent by the City to its media list

• Invitation to dignitaries (other elected officials, the Chamber of Commerce) to attend

• Special Recognition document, signed by the Mayor, framed, and presented to business owner

• Red ribbon and ceremonial scissors for ribbon cutting (grand openings only)

Post-Event Promotion: posting a photo of the ceremony on the City’s Facebook page after the event 

    Grand Opening / Anniversary Form

Staff Contact: Cassie Hershberger, Economic Development Coordinator, dced@hagerstownmd.org, 301-739-8577, x. 838.