LAPLACE – The St. John the Baptist Parish Economic Development Department recently launched the “Shop Local, Shop St. John” campaign for the 2013 holiday season in an effort to promote locally-owned and operated businesses.
Shop Local works to educate consumers, business owners and the St. John Parish community through media outlets about the many benefits of spending locally. Residents are encouraged to make their holiday purchases in St. John Parish. Businesses can register for the campaign at www.sjbparish.com/shoplocal. There is no cost for membership.  
In support of this effort, residents will receive a Shop Local trivia game with clues to local businesses by mail. 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 Nov. 30 through Dec. 28, and winners will be announced Dec. 29. Residents can mail in completed trivia games to 1801 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace, LA 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 Highway, LaPlace, or in the St. John Parish Courthouse foyer, 2393 Louisiana Highway 18, Edgard.  
In addition to the trivia game, a Shop Local contest will be running on the St. John Parish Facebook page during the month of December. Residents can visit the page on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of December for more chances to win. 
Visit the St. John Parish website 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 St. John Economic Development Director Torri Buckles. “Please shop locally this holiday season and support the merchants who help preserve St. John Parish.”