University of West Florida
Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development
Fort Walton Beach
ABOUT
The Haas Center supports the region and state through workforce and survey research, economic impact modeling, and industrial innovation. By collaborating with UWF students, faculty, and external experts, we deliver exceptional results to a diverse clientele in both public and private sectors. The Haas Center, together with its additive manufacturing counterpart, the Sea3D Lab, is dedicated to driving business growth and fostering regional prosperity.
The Haas Center remains one of Northwest Florida’s leading sources for data-driven solutions outlining industrial innovation and workforce development. We serve industry, government, non-profits, and academia seeking impactful findings. Our market research covers a variety of topics, including economic impact studies, consumer and visitor profiles, as well as research on talent gaps.
Our researchers and performance advisors collaborate to bring objective and reliable information to all customers. The Haas Center has a wide range of specializations, including industrial and mechanical engineering, economic impact modeling, and data services, the organization is prepared to assist with a variety of clients and projects.
The Haas Center’s economic impact studies have reached clients across the state and Southeastern United States. Intricate forecasting models in REMI and Implan are both services that the Haas Center provides to its clients. As the organization recognizes that each research question requires an individually tailored solution, the unique and intimate approach that our research team takes is sure to provide the most current and thoughtful analysis to fit the client’s needs.
EMPLOYEES
- Nicole Gislason, Executive Director
nicole@uwf.edu - Richard Hawkins, Former Chair & Professor, Dept. of Commerce, Supply Chain Logistics, & Economics
rhawkins@uwf.edu - Mariah Kill, Senior Statistician
mkill@uwf.edu - Yahvdiel Rosario Mendez, Senior Statistician
yahvdiel@uwf.edu - Angela Sanders, Business Manager
asanders1@uwf.edu - Matt Schwartz, Director, Office of Industrial Innovation
mschwartz@uwf.edu - Laura Swann, Director, Office of Workforce Development
lswann@uwf.edu
PUBLICATIONS
- Newsletter
- Northwest Florida Economy (Quarterly)
ACTIVITIES
- Research
- Economic Impact
- Survey
- Tourism
- Venture Capital
- Maintain Data Center for Faculty Research Needs
- Web Development/Maintenance
- IT/LAN Support
- Web Server
- Mail Server
- Outreach
- Community Oriented Lectures
- Internship Program Coordination
- Hardware/Software Support
- Managing Student Research Assistants for Faculty Research
