The Manufacturing Innovation Network (MIN) is the central place for local manufacturers in the Waterloo Region to: 1. Build Awareness - Raise awareness of products and services manufactured in the region both on a local and global scale. 2. Network - Improve collaboration and knowledge sharing between companies and industry professionals in an effort to create shared best practices, standard protocols and new innovations. Members can join peer groups, create professional profiles and access experts in blogs and online discussion forums. 3. Trade - A centralized e-marketplace for buying, selling and promoting goods and services online, such as classified ads, job board and a comprehensive company directory. It's the place to go to find out what's happening in the region's dynamic manufacturing sector and to get connected with resources and people from across the region and beyond. The MIN is not a replacement for other manufacturing membership based associations and consortiums that provide face-to-face services, consultation, financing, advocacy and training. Developed in partnership by local manufacturers, academic institutions, government, associations and manufacturing consortiums, MIN is intended to help manufacturers become more innovative by building awareness and innovation throughout the Waterloo Region and beyond. This can only be accomplished by improving the connections between people, information and expertise.