John Hemmingstad

Avalon Capital Group

Avalon Capital Group, is the wholly owned private investment company with diverse interests, including public and private investments in real estate, technology, health care, finance, and entertainment. It was founded by Ted Waitt, co-founder of Gateway, Inc. Avalon has offices in La Jolla CA and North Sioux City SD. Avalon created and supports the Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute. Waitt Foundation focuses on restoring our oceans to full productivity. Given the rapid decline of marine resources, the mission of the Waitt Foundation is to protect and restore ocean health. The Foundation funds initiatives globally with a focus on marine protected areas and sustainable fishing policy and practice. We provide grants, technical assistance, strategic advice, and support innovative ocean science. For maximum impact, we partner with unique coalitions of governments, funders, NGO, academics, and businesses. Waitt Institute endeavors to ensure ecologically, economically, and culturally sustainable use of ocean resources. The Institute partners with governments committed to developing and implementing comprehensive, science-based, community-driven solutions for sustainable ocean management. Our goal is to benefit coastal communities while restoring fish populations and habitats. Our approach is to engage stakeholders, provide the tools needed to design locally appropriate policies, facilitate the policy-making process, and build capacity for effective implementation and long-term success. http://avalon.com/