The Kootenay Association for Science and Technology and Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council in partnership with Columbia Basin Trust will deliver year one of a two year Manufacturing and Technology Sector Development Pilot Initiative (the "Initiative") that supports the development of the manufacturing and technology sector. The Initiative will focus on the development retention and expansion of Basin manufacturing and technology businesses. The project will allow CBT to explore its potential future strategic role in strengthening key economic sectors in the Basin and test a series of activities targeted at improving the circumstances of the manufacturing and technology sector's economic performance and outlook.