LAPLACE — The members of the St. John Theatre in Reserve have been working hard in anticipation of its upcoming staging of “Hairspray: The Musical.”

No simple production, the iconic Broadway hit required a large cast, which in turn required a large collection of costumes, wigs and props.

So when the theater troupe recently received a $2,500 donation from the St. John Business Association, the cast and crew were overjoyed.

“We were overwhelmed with the donation from the Business Association,” said Sterling Snowdy, president of the St. John Theatre Association. “There are a lot of costs in putting on a show, especially one of this size. We have the support of a lot of businesses in the Parish; they do a lot for us. We are thankful that they are supportive of the arts. It shows that we are moving in the right direction.”

The St. John Business Association aims to help.

Founded 22 years ago, the non-profit organization is made up of roughly 150 local business owners who offer help and advice to each other, while also promoting local entrepreneurs and helping the community.

“We believe that’s something everyone in the community can benefit from,” said Craig Carmen, owner of a LaPlace sign company and vice president of the Association. “We want to support the theater kids who are in it so they can be successful.”

Carmen said the group of about 150 business owners meets monthly at Petra’s Restaurant in LaPlace. The meetings offer members a chance to network, share business advice and ways to promote local businesses.

Carmen said the mission of the organization is to help educate one another. The monthly meetings also regularly include a guest speaker who can offer the group business advice.

“We are an organization dedicated to business education for St. John Parish,” Carmen said. “Education is a big part of the mission. At our monthly meetings we always try to bring in someone who can be interesting and educational for our members.”

Past guest speakers have included Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Ochsner CEO Stephen Robinson Jr.

Besides supporting the arts in the community, the St. John Business Association also sponsors the Deputy of the Month award for the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Each officer receives a plaque from the Association.

“We certainly respect our criminal justice system,” Carmen said.

“We want to show them the respect that they deserve.”