Ocean Institute Sponsors

Corporate Partners

Corporate Partner Descriptions

	Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) operates a global portfolio of brands with a commitment to growth and innovation. Our employees strive to provide customers around the world with superior experiences by responding to their unique needs and aspirations. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services through more than 1,200 retail stores across the United States, throughout Canada and in China. Our multi-channel operations include: Best Buy and Future Shop, Geek Squad and, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers, Magnolia Audio Video, Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. and Speakeasy. Best Buy supports the communities in which its employees work and live through volunteerism and grants that benefit children and education. http://www.bestbuy.com/
	Borders Throughout our more than 1,100 stores around the world, Borders is finding new ways to help our customers create richer and more satisfying lives through knowledge and entertainment. In fact, Borders was recently ranked #1 among 112 companies nationwide for providing an enjoyable customer shopping experience according to an independent survey conducted by Forrester Research. Borders ranked #2 nationwide in the overall survey. http://www.bordersstores.com/index.jsp
	Cox Business Services A full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. As the third-largest cable provider in the nation, Cox Communications Inc. is noted for its high-capacity, reliable broadband delivery network and superior customer care. For Cox, it’s not about being the biggest; it’s about being the best. With more than 6 million total residential and commercial customer relationships, over 22,000 employees and a firm commitment to education, the Cox team is widely regarded industry leaders, having earned multiple distinctions in customer satisfaction, diversity practices and company strategy. In 2006, Cox received highest honor in J.D. Power and Associates' residential cable/satellite TV customer satisfaction study as well as in 2005 for customer satisfaction among high-speed Internet service providers. http://www.cox.com/
	Creative Concept Sound Solutions Providing a variety of both commercial and residential audio, video, and security solutions. We understand the best business is in need of the best solution. We provide an environment where synergy occurs between employee and office space. Your business is reflected by the infrastructure of your workplace and its tools. We know that your home is the most precious place in your life. That is why we take special care in finding out exactly what your needs and lifestyle are so that we can provide the best possible system that is within your budget. http://www.ccss.tv/
	MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to promote, produce, and sponsor events and activities that encourage the appreciation, study and performance of the arts. It's been 75 years since the first "living pictures" made their debut at the Festival of Arts, and the 2008 Pageant will honor its historical roots with another stunning display of theatrical illusion and artistry. Celebrating the longstanding love affair between artists and the performing arts in every culture, All The World's A Stage will venture behind the scenes as painters and sculptors share their fascination with the actors, dancers, musicians and movie stars whose lives and works have inspired countless artworks. From the slapstick antics of Italy's traveling troupes of the Commedia dell'arte, to legendary stage luminaries like Miss Sarah Bernhardt, to unforgettable settings like the dancehalls and cabarets of Paris, the Pageant will prove once again there's a "method" to the its unique brand of theatrical magic. Taking its cue from Shakespeare's play, All The World's a Stage promises another breathtaking summer of "living pictures" presented "As You Like It http://www.foapom.com/?skipvid=1
	The Gavel Group The Gavel Group offers a wide array of products and services aimed at assisting non-profits increase their net revenue with less labor. Services include Auction Production, Providing No-Risk Auction Items, Auctioneering, Consulting and more. We look forward to partnering with you to make your auction event the best ever. http://gavelgroup.com/
	Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa Nestled upon the cliffs of Dana Point - widely know as the most picturesque spot on the California Coast - the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa offers a rare combination of easy access to major attractions and the beauty and tranquility of an oceanside setting. With 376 newly renovated guestrooms and suites, 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting & conference facilities, 30,000 sq. ft. of outdoor function space and our full-service destination "Spa at Laguna Cliffs" with 14,000 sq. ft. of facilities including a 2,500 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Fitness center...anything is possible. The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is the perfect location for relaxing in the sun, ocean adventures, taking in local scenery or day outings to see the wonders of southern California. http://www.lagunacliffs.com/rates.htm
	miocean: Reducing Local Ocean Pollution Our vision is to apply a business approach to solving water-quality and ocean pollution issues by collaborating with government agencies, corporations, small businesses, and individuals. Miocean is primarily focused on developing solutions to ocean pollution in the form of measurable projects. Our first project takes place at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California. Working closely with the City of Dana Point, and the State Water Resource Control Board, Miocean has acted as a catalyst for a project that will divert polluted urban run-off from Doheny State Beach to a sanitary treatment plant close by. Miocean has pledged $100,000 toward the project. Our ultimate vision for the future is a clean, clear, pollution-free ocean. http://www.miocean.org/mission.asp
	Montage Resort & Spa Nestled along the dramatic coastline of Laguna Beach, Montage Resort & Spa offers the comfortable elegance of an authentic seaside resort. Here, all 262 rooms provide sweeping ocean views from private balconies featuring intimate points from which to gaze onto the majestic Pacific. Period light fixtures, muted color schemes, and authentic artwork by noted California artists transport you to a bygone era of carefree days. And the luxurious Spa Montage eases all worries with a collage of soothing whirlpools, invigorating saunas, and 21 private treatment rooms adorned in tranquil hues. Montage is a place where personalized service graciously caters to the whims of guests. And every guest is welcomed as a member of the Montage family. http://www.montagelagunabeach.com
	O'Neill O'Neill's authentic American heritage and adventurous image is driven by technology, function and innovation. In 1952 Jack O'Neill opened the world's first surf shop, then later was an innovator of the wetsuit and most recently pioneered board short technology. From day one when O'Neill developed the wetsuit to keep warm in the cold Northern California waters, to current day development of technical lifestyle-driven clothing and board shorts, boarders have come to expect quality and innovation throughout every product that has the O'Neill name on it. O'Neill's vision has been steadfast: to make the best product to allow surfers to surf longer and progress at their sport without being restricted by the element of nature. http://www.oneill.com
	Op Originating in the '60s as a surfboard label, Op Founder Jim Jenks created an apparel line that met the demands of surfers in and out of the water in 1972, and the brand quickly became the definitive name in the surf/beach culture. As the original "action sports" company and creator of the "West Coast Lifestyle," Op was the first brand of its kind-uniting the entire youth culture by connecting surfing with music, skateboarding, motocross, BMX and snowboarding. http://www.op.com/
	Quiksilver Quiksilver designs, produces and distributes clothing, accessories and related products for young minded people and develops brands that represent a causal lifestyle-driven from a boardriding heritage. Quiksilver's authenticity is evident in its innovative products, events and retail environment across the globe. Quiksilver's primary focus is apparel for young men and young women under the Quiksilver, Roxy, Raisins, and Radio Fiji labels. Quiksilver also manufactures apparel for boys ( Quiksilver Boys and Hawk Clothing). Girls (Roxy Girl, Teeni Wahine and Raisins Girls), men (Quiksilveredition and Fidra) women ( Leilani swimwear), as well as snowboards, snowboard boots and bindings under the Lib Technologies, Gnu and Bent Metal labels. Quiksilver's products are sold throughout the world, primarily in surf shops and specialty stores that provide an authentic retail experience for our customers. http://www.quiksilver.com/
	The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa Overlooking the blue Pacific waters of Southern California The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa beckons guests to indulge in luxury accommodations and personalized service at its Tuscan-inspired retreat. The AAA five-diamond resort, located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego counties, offers guests a private beach club with "Surf Butlers," six notable dining venues, Spa Gaucin, Monarch Beach Golf Links, hard and clay tennis courts and unlimited leisure activities. http://www.stregismonarchbeach.com
	SouthCoast Magazine South Coast Magazine is an exclusive marketing opportunity to catch California's most lucrative readers. It is unique in itself; there are no other publications on the market that encompasses community information, events and businesses, entertainment and travel. www.southcoastmagazine.com
	Swenson Family Foundation Jim and Sue Swenson have been outstandingly loyal supporters of the Ocean Institute for nearly two decades. From the bottom of their hearts, Jim and Sue believe in the mission of the Ocean Institute and do everything they can to support the work we do with children from throughout Southern California. They provide annual funding to bring hundreds of underserved students to programs at the Institute through our Adopt A Class program. They gave the leadership gift to build our state-of-the-art facility in 2001. They helped us expand our fleet of floating classrooms by funding our purchase of the Spirit of Dana Point. They are strengthening our nascent endowment program with major gifts every year. As a Board member, Jim also inspires fellow members to give and shows leadership through his sincere commitment to the Ocean Institute.
	Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Located in the heart of the California Riviera halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the luxury oceanfront resort offers panoramic white-water views of the Pacific. Situated atop a 150-foot bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a luxury resort like no other. The resort is reminiscent of a classic Mediterranean villa. Fine European and early American art, antiques, Italian marble, crystal chandeliers and muted colors grace the resort's elegant interiors. Arched windows frame spectacular views of the ocean, tiled courtyards are accented with fountains and French doors open onto private balconies from each guestroom. The balconies overlook either the ocean or pools with beautifully landscaped gardens with Japanese Koi ponds and courtyards. Guests can indulge themselves to a soothing treatment in our massage center or take advantage of two miles of sandy beach, heated pool, whirlpools, sauna and steam baths. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/laguna_niguel
	Principal Business - Toshiba America, Inc. TAI is the holding company for one of the nation's leading group of high technology companies. TAI is the parent of six operating companies that together span a diversified range of modern electronics, each conducting research and development, manufacturing, sales and service in its field of expertise. Product Overview The Toshiba America Group specializes in advanced electronics and is a recognized leader in products that enhance the home, office, industry and health care environments. Toshiba markets and manufactures information and communication systems, document solutions, electronic components, heavy electrical apparatus, consumer products and medical diagnostic imaging equipment. Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. TABS manages product planning, marketing, sales, service support and distribution of copiers, facsimiles, multifunction printing products, network controllers, and toner products throughout the United States, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TABS has four divisions: the Electronic Imaging Division; the Toner Products Division; the Document Solutions Engineering Division; and TOPAC U.S.A., Inc., dba Toshiba Business Solutions (TBS), a wholly-owned subsidiary corporation of TABS, that operates a network of wholly owned office equipment dealers throughout the United States. www.copiers.toshiba.com
	Wachovia Full financial services through offices in 21 states - Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia - plus Washington, D.C. Full-service retail brokerage with offices nationwide through Wachovia Securities LLC. Other nationwide businesses include investment banking products and services in selected corporate and institutional sectors globally, mortgage lending, student lending, and auto dealer finance. Globally, international correspondent services and trade finance, as well as corporate and investment banking in selected sectors are provided through more than 40 international offices. http://www.wachovia.com/
	Wyland Marine Life Artist Wyland has earned the distinction as one of America's most unique creative influences, and a leading advocate for marine resource conservation. An accomplished painter, sculptor, photographer, writer, and SCUBA diver, he has traveled the farthest reaches of the globe for more than twenty-five years, capturing the raw power and beauty of the undersea universe. His non-profit Wyland Foundation has supported numerous conservation programs since 1993, including Wyland's monumental Whaling Wall mural project - an epic series of more than ninety-one life size marine life murals that spans twelve countries on four continents, and is viewed by an estimated 1 billion people every year. The artist's efforts, moreover, have been recognized by the United Nations, Sierra Club, the Underwater Academy of Arts and Sciences, where he is listed among its Diving Hall of Fame, and private and public institutions throughout the world. http://www.wyland.com/