LAPLACE — “We are asking residents to remember that for every $100 spent in St. John, $68 stays in the Parish,” Parish President Natalie Robottom said.

That obvious economic impact and current holiday spending is the basis for Shop Local, Shop St. John.

Led by the St. John the Baptist Parish Economic Development Department, the campaign promotes locally owned and operated businesses.

The kickoff of the fun, business owners and members of the community are invited to attend a free event at 10 a.m. Monday at Dunkin Donuts in LaPlace.

Businesses can register to be a part of the campaign at sjbparish.com/shoplocal. There is no cost for membership.

Small Business Saturday will be held Nov. 25, and community members are encouraged to make their holiday purchases in St. John.

Local residents are also asked to be on the lookout for the annual Shop Local trivia game in the mail with clues to local businesses. If the correct answers are selected and returned, residents are entered in a drawing to win gift cards and other prizes from local retailers. The trivia game takes place through Dec. 28, and winners will be announced Dec. 29.

Residents can mail in completed trivia games to 1801 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace (70068) or drop them off in the Shop Local collection boxes at the same location near the Parish President’s Reception Desk or in the St. John Courthouse foyer in Edgard.

Visit the stjohneconomicdevelopment.com for a directory of local businesses, as well as information on the economic, environmental and “feel-good” benefits of buying local.