DENHAM SPRINGS - Some small businesses owners is Livingston Parish wanted to ensure locals remember how important the small shops are in the community. Tonight, local bookstore owner John Cavelier and his wife brought together small business owners and other community members to discuss keeping the small shops resilient after the flood.

"Small businesses are everything in Denham Springs. The antique village has been here my whole life, and its 100 percent small independent shops," Cavelier said.

Cavelier, a Denham Native, along with his wife teamed up with the owner of a local art studio, Heather Hilly to form the meeting. Hilly, who owns Brush Fire Studios, wanted to join and spread the message to support local businesses in Denham Springs. She along with Cavelier hopes the meeting is productive in assisting the small shops.

"I'm just hoping that a lot of people have some different ideas on how we can help each other out," Hilly said.

About 60 percent of businesses are back open in Denham Springs following the flood according to Cavelier.