The University of West Florida Haas Center has provided research driving a new regional campaign launched by Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW). The “Military Talent: Mission-Ready Veterans, Business-Ready Results” initiative highlights Northwest Florida’s military workforce, emphasizing the mission-ready skills and business-ready results that transitioning service members and veterans bring to regional employers.
Research Partnership
Funded by the FloridaCommerce Defense Reinvestment Grant, the UWF Haas Center’s comprehensive study provides data-driven insights into the region’s military talent pipeline. This research now powers FGNW’s Military Talent Dashboard, serving as a strategic economic development recruitment tool for the 13-county Northwest Florida region.
- “The University of West Florida is proud to play a role in strengthening the economic vitality of our region through data-driven research,” said UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. “Our work with Florida’s Great Northwest showcases how the UWF Haas Center can partner with community and industry leaders to demonstrate the value our veterans bring to our economy.”
Untapped Talent Pipeline
The Haas Center’s research revealed three significant findings:
- An average of 5,200 service members transition out of Northwest Florida’s military installations each year—significantly higher than previous estimates.
- Nearly 60% of these transitioning military members hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Over 47% plan to remain in the region after service, with an additional 19% undecided.
“This data is a game-changer, allowing us to powerfully describe this pool of pre-trained, disciplined, untapped talent to companies in our target industry sectors,” said Jennifer Conoley, President & CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest. “The Military Talent Dashboard underscores Northwest Florida’s strategic advantage as a place where employers have access to highly skilled professionals who are ready for their next career.”
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly commended the initiative, stating, “Northwest Florida has long been a center of defense excellence, supporting our heroes and their families, and FloridaCommerce was grateful to have supported this endeavor with a Defense Reinvestment Grant.”
Why This Matters
This campaign represents a strategic shift in how Northwest Florida positions itself for economic growth. By quantifying the region’s military talent pipeline, local leaders can now make data-backed pitches to businesses considering relocation or expansion. The findings reveal an annual influx of highly educated, experienced professionals—many with security clearances and specialized technical skills—who are often overlooked by traditional recruitment efforts.
For veterans and transitioning service members, this initiative creates new pathways to civilian careers while allowing them to remain in familiar communities near military installations. For businesses, it highlights a ready-made workforce with proven leadership abilities, discipline, and problem-solving skills that translate directly to private sector success.
To explore the dashboard and learn more about the campaign, visit fgnwtalent.com.