The St. John the Baptist Parish Economic Development Department is launching the annual Shop Local, Shop St. John campaign for the 2015 holiday season in an effort to promote locally-owned and operated businesses.

Shop Local works to educate consumers, business owners and the St. John Community through media outlets about the many benefits of spending locally.

Residents are encouraged to make their holiday purchases in St. John. Businesses can register to be a part of the campaign at sjbparish.com/shoplocal. There is no cost for membership.

In support of this effort, residents will receive a Shop Local trivia game in the mail with clues to local businesses.

If the correct answers are selected and returned, residents will be entered in a drawing to win gift cards and other prizes from local retailers.

The trivia game will take place Dec. 1 through Dec. 28, and winners will be announced on Dec. 30. Residents can mail in completed trivia games to 1801 W. Airline Hwy. in LaPlace 70068, or drop them off in the Shop Local collection boxes located at the Percy Hebert Building — Parish President’s Reception Desk (1801 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace) or in the St. John Courthouse foyer (2393 Highway 18, Edgard).

Small Business Saturday will be held this year on Nov. 28, and community members are encouraged to make their holiday purchases in St. John.

Small Business Saturday signage will be displayed throughout the Parish as a reminder.

Please visit the stjohneconomicdevelopment.com for an online, searchable directory of local businesses, as well as a wealth of information on the economic, environmental and “feel-good” benefits of buying local.

“We are asking residents to remember that for every $100 spent in St. John, $68 stays in the Parish,” said Parish President Natalie Robottom. “Please shop locally this holiday season and support the local owners and employees who are an integral part of what makes St. John a great place to live.”