The goal is to continue to grow the Chicago Waste to Profit Network as a long-term program to serve Chicago businesses and promote economic development for the region. As the network grows, it will seek to add member companies from every major industry sector in the Chicago region. It is anticipated that the next Innovation Network membership invitation phase will begin in the 4th quarter of 2007.

To encourage this diversity, a metrics driven approach has been developed for inviting businesses to join the network. The primary focus is on including all Chicago area manufacturing sectors in a ratio which is proportionately aligned with their prominence region, and fits the needs of existing members. Non-manufacturers will be invited to the network as well since it has been found helpful to include non manufacturers for the position of end users of by-products and also as the producers of waste streams valuable as feedstock for manufacturing. For example, in the current marketplace, paper and allied products recyclers often look to “Big Box” retailers as a source for large quantities of consistent and recyclable paper products.

“Strategic targets” will be asked to consider membership from industries identified as a needed synergy link. For instance, if a company identifies a synergy opportunity which requires industry participation outside of the network's membership, WTPN team members can call upon interested industry players which meet the member company's need in order to fulfill both membership growth and synergy implementation goals.

Beginning this fall, WTPN will implement the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP) database system, which will not only provide a systematic organization of company information, but allow for rapid expansion of the network. In 2008, the goal is to double the Community Network by building upon the pilot project and offering more community workshops throughout the year. Work will continue with the NISP in sharing their community case studies with the network.