Suffolk shoppers are being urged to rekindle their love for local business through a Valentine’s Day promotion by the Suffolk News-Herald and the Suffolk Department of Economic Development.

The two entities have partnered on a contest that encourages locals to support independently owned businesses in Suffolk. A similar contest was conducted on Small Business Saturday, two days after Thanksgiving. Dozens of people entered the contest.

We’re pleased to again partner with the Department of Economic Development in support of Suffolk’s independently owned businesses,” said Steve Stewart, publisher of the Suffolk News-Herald, Suffolk Living and related digital products. “Our Small Business Saturday partnership was a big success, and Valentine’s Day is another great opportunity to make cash registers ring for the businesses that are the backbone of Suffolk’s economy.”

To participate in the contest, visit any independently owned business in Suffolk between now and midnight on Valentine’s Day. Post a photo from inside the business to the Suffolk News-Herald’s Facebook page, or tweet it, and make sure to include the hashtag #iheartSuffolkbiz and mention the business in your post.

Photos must be posted on Valentine’s Day, and for every one that’s submitted, the submitter will get an entry into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates. Entrants can visit as many businesses as they like and enter from each one. There’s no purchase necessary.

The drawing will take place on Feb. 16.

For more information about the contest, visit www.suffolknewsherald.com/iheartsuffolkbiz.