Cherry Hill, N.J. - Laura Bishop, managing principal of Laura Bishop Communications (LBC), is recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal among the 2020 Women of Distinction. Bishop will join a select group of honorees at a reception held Nov. 12 via video conference.

Bishop is one of 31 recipients selected from a group of more than 250 nominated businesswomen across a breadth of industries. A panel of editors chose honorees who are blazing a trail in their respective businesses. They looked for individuals who “are respected for accomplishments in their industries, give back to their communities and are sought out as respected advisors and mentors within their field of influence.”

“Laura is caring, compassionate and supportive to the needs of her clients,” Katie Faldetta, executive director of Cape Assist, said. “Her work is more than just a job; she uses her platform to support the health and wellbeing of communities across South Jersey.”

Bishop began building her reputation as a public relations professional while working as a sole practitioner and in public relations firms in southern New Jersey. Her vast experience working with schools and environmental nonprofits led to a larger portfolio of clients and a regional network of connections.

She started LBC in 2011 as a sole practitioner serving a handful of clients. Today, she runs LBC from both Cherry Hill and Ocean City, and the firm has eight employees and about 30 clients for whom they provide a range of strategic communication services.

“I am always amazed at the generosity that Laura brings to every project that I have had the privilege of working with her on,” said Vicki Clark, IOM, president of Cape May County Chamber of Commerce. “Her abundance of knowledge, energy and willingness to jump in to do the work makes me very proud to work with her whenever possible."

LBC’s work with schools evolved to include planning and managing effective communications campaigns to inform voters for school bond referenda. By creating a successful framework for structuring the campaigns, Bishop built the firm’s reputation for helping schools throughout New Jersey inform residents about proposals to fund significant upgrades to security, technology and more. In the past year, LBC worked with five different districts for bond or budget votes; all were successful.

“Laura has consistently proven to be a wise and thoughtful resource for all of our public relations needs,” said Brian Gatens, Ed.D., superintendent of Emerson Public Schools. “We offer her direct credit for the success of our referendum and could not have done it without her.”

Bishop’s strategies in other service areas have guided the LBC team toward award-winning successes for clients. Recently, LBC clients have received recognition in the roles of New Jersey school public relations Communicator of the Year as well as regional Superintendent of the Year.

Bishop also has planned and implemented national public relations campaigns and events, such as the Rutgers Food Innovation Center Launch and the Berries, Bogs, & Beyond Tour for Ocean Spray Cranberries. She played a significant role in planning New Jersey American Water’s “Imagine a Day Without Water.”

Serving an active role in her community is important to Bishop, and she is proud to be involved with several nonprofit and professional organizations. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, Southwestern New Jersey Chapter, and the Advisory Board for Rowan College of Communications and Creative Arts. She also funds an annual scholarship for a Rowan University high-achieving junior majoring in public relations and is an annual sponsor of Rowan College of South Jersey’s Suit a Student program.

"It's a privilege to provide meaningful work for our clients and communities," Bishop said. "Together, we've built a culture grounded in solid work ethic, commitment to each other and our clients, and boundless enthusiasm for the generous work that we strive for. To be recognized as a Woman of Distinction is a magical moment in my career, and I am humbled beyond words."

Bishop’s success is a result of both her personability and her commitment to becoming part of a client’s team. By getting to know each person she works with on a personal level, she is able to do her best work on behalf of her clients.

“Anyone who has worked with Laura knows that she truly invests in the organizations that she works with,” said Mike O’Malley, director of operations at Woodford Cedar Run. “Working with her feels more like having the support of a friend than a business transaction; you can tell her commitment runs deep.”

Bishop also was one of Southern New Jersey Business People’s Top Women in Business in 2014, and a Superwoman in South Jersey Magazine in 2013.

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