Platinum Sponsors

Haley & Aldrich is a national environmental, engineering and resource management firm. At Haley & Aldrich, we strive to integrate technology and human potential to achieve outcomes that benefit our clients as well as the communities we serve.

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Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, Makar Properties, LLC is an innovative diversified real estate development company that specializes in the acquisition and development of master-planned communities and mixed-use, resort, retail, golf, office, and residential properties in premier locations and high-growth markets. Devoted to community and investor needs, Makar aims to craft distinctive lifestyle experiences for each resident or guest while considering the integration of each project with its community and ultimately delivering superior returns. Makar Properties, LLC has over $1 billion in assets representing an estimated build-out value of over $10 billion.

Makar aims to acquire distinctive properties with potential to be repositioned with vision and innovation. Recent acquisitions include Korakia Pensione, an experiential resort located in Palm Springs, CA; the Hilton Anaheim, the premier convention and resort destination in Orange County, CA; and the Wyndham Orange County, a stylish, modern property, situated on Avenue of the Arts in Costa Mesa, CA. One of Makar's landmark developments is the St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach, a 172-acre luxury coastal resort in Dana Point featuring 400 rooms, a world-class golf course and luxury residential living.

Why Makar Supports Water Conservation. At Makar we are committed to improving community well-being through discretionary business practices and contributions of corporate resources. Responsibility is part of our core mission, vision and values. We seek development with balance—taking into account community, investor, and environmental needs and using collaborative thinking to create a union of space and sanctuary. We work on a daily basis to positively contribute to health, education, and environmental causes in the community through giving of our time, talents, and treasures. The Water Conference is a catalyst in these areas, and we are proud to support UNESCO, UCI, and USGS in their bold endeavors.

Part of our corporate culture is to look at "What's Ahead" and take an active interest in what issues concern not only our portfolio of properties, but the world at large. Best practices, mind share, and leadership in the conservation of resources are becoming increasingly valued. Paul Makarechian, President & CEO of Makar Properties, LLC is also a founding board member of Miocean, a public benefit corporation committed to enhancing the 42 miles of Southern California's coastline. Makarechian's personal passion for the ocean and Makar's desire to incorporate responsible and innovative water practices into its hotels supports the idea that water unifies. Jens von Gierke, Senior Vice President of Hospitality, is a Board Member of the Ocean Institute which seeks to educate and inspire all generations to become responsible stewards of our oceans.

Our involvement in this pivotal conference will not only keep us ahead of the curve in our industry, but allows us the opportunity to show our excitement and uphold the powerful work of UCI/UNESCO. Rather than being reactive, Makar seeks to be proactive, beginning with educating ourselves and others as to the current state of affairs. We hope to be a part of the educational effort to determine what kind of solutions the future will hold. We want to join with other business, foundations, and government agencies to keep this issue on the forefront of environmental concerns.

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is one of the world's leading providers of environmental consulting services and health and safety. We have over 135 offices in more than 40 countries and employ over 3,000 staff. We are committed to providing a service that is consistent, professional and of the highest quality. We deliver innovative solutions for leading business and government clients, assisting them in managing their environmental and related risks.

Additional Sponsors

Disney's Environmentality Challenge is a unique partnership between Walt Disney World Co. and the State of Florida, encouraging students to think more about their environment and why it is "cool to care" about the earth. Classes participate in a two-part program consisting of a Pledge and Class Project. The Pledge requires an easy personal commitment for the environment. If the students want to take their environmental actions to the next level, they may submit a more comprehensive group project. Each project can be incorporated into existing curriculum and can encourage students to develop language skills, teamwork, and mathematics, as well as their environmental skills.