2009 Garden State Woman of the Year - Sports & Fitness
Patricia Laus – Owner & CEO, The Atlantic Club
Nominated By: Richard Hope
Pat is a long-time advocate of women in business and women business owners. She has created a woman-owned business with a predominately woman run business and has invested in comprehensive employee training initiatives. Her commitment to women in business is evident in her membership with The Advisory Board for Enterprising Women and was awarded “The Enterprising Woman of the Year” in 2007. Additionally, she has been recognized as a pioneer for Women in the Health & Fitness Industry where she was the first woman to receive “The Distinguished Service Award” for her outstanding contributions to the industry. She is also involved in several task forces that address Health and Fitness across the country, including The Industry Legislative Committee to pass bills that reward people who are living a healthier lifestyle.
In 2006, Pat created the Atlantic Club “Clubs for The Cure Team” in which The Atlantic Clubs of both Manasquan and Red Bank joined together to raise money to find a cure for breast cancer, aligned with The Avon Foundation’s Two Day Walk in NYC. Pat was able to mobilize employees and members of both clubs to create the largest team in Avon history and the biggest global donor in 2006, 2007 and 2008, raising over $1,000,000.
Pat’s tireless drive and energy has made her a successful businessperson and an outstanding contributor to important causes in the communities she serves and throughout the nation.