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NAPLES, Fla. – May 15, 2017 – In April 2017, after more than a year of research and thorough analysis, members of Hodges University’s Johnson School of Business completed a consultancy-based economic study for local nonprofit Hope for Haiti. The study will serve as a framework in executing upcoming Hope for Haiti’s three-year strategic plan. In 2016, Hope for Haiti contacted Dr. Aysegul Timur, dean of the Johnson School of Business, to discuss the prospect of Hodges’ Johnson School of Business’ involvement in completing an economic study. Dedicated to “improving the quality of life for the Haitian people, particularly children,” Hope for Haiti’s core programs include education, health care, water, infrastructure and economy. “We engaged Dr. Aysegul Timur and her team from the Hodges University Johnson School of Business to measure our economic long-term impact generated by our investments in all five of our programs,” said Stephanie Jepsen, chief of donor experience. Discussing the goal of the economic study, Timur enlisted the expertise of Hodges faculty and staff, including Dr. Gary Jackson, adjunct faculty member and economist; Anke Stugk, business administration program chair; Gayle Haring, director of the Terry P. McMahan Library; William Browning, adjunct faculty member; and Evelyn Olvera, administrative assistant to the dean of the Johnson School of Business. “Our faculty consulted with members from Hope for Haiti and developed a study that will not only serve to positively impact the economy of Haiti, but will also serve as an example of community integration that we can bring to our students,” Timur explained. Completing the study in four phases, Timur and her team provided a literature review to identify economic growth and development drivers, a benchmark study of three additional aid and development organizations, a review of Hope for Haiti’s vision plan and measures, as well as recommendations for the future. “Hope for Haiti is always looking for ways to be more efficient and effective in assisting the people of Haiti. This is an independent study of factors that drive growth and income over time. Our hope is that the study will help Hope for Haiti in their planning and delivery of aid,” said Dr. Gary Jackson. In addition to the study’s impact on Hope for Haiti’s core programs, Timur and the Johnson School of Business look to provide consultancy-based work to other nonprofits. “As a university, if we know more about our community, we can better align with their needs, and as skilled practitioners, our faculty possess the knowledge and expertise to assist nonprofits throughout Southwest Florida,” said Timur. To contact Hodges’ Johnson School of Business, email Dr. Aysegul Timur at atimur@hodges.edu or visit www.hodges.edu. To learn more about Hope for Haiti, visit www.hopeforhaiti.com. About the Johnson School of Business: Hodges University’s Johnson School of Business degree programs present a useful blend of business theory and practical skills at the undergraduate or graduate level. Degree options are available for students who are just beginning their careers or for established business professionals. Our benefactor, Kenneth Oscar Johnson was a distinguished chemical engineer, respected petroleum industry executive and a venture capitalist who helped small companies succeed. To honor his legacy of professional excellence, entrepreneurial ingenuity and generous support of Hodges University’s educational mission, the university renamed its School of Business to the Johnson School of Business at Hodges University in 2006. About Hope for Haiti: Hope for Haiti is a Naples, Florida, based 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the mission to improve the quality of life for the Haitian people, particularly children. Building upon 28 years of experience, Hope for Haiti works in five core program areas (Education, Healthcare, Water, Infrastructure and Economy) to connect, heal and empower communities in the Greater South of Haiti. Hope for Haiti is a 4-star rated charity by Charity Navigator and is a participant at the Gold Level through the GuideStar Exchange, two leading independent evaluators recognizing the organization’s transparency and careful stewardship of donor resources. ###