Innovation: Entrepreneurship as the Catalyst for Economic Recovery in Michigan

Josh Linkner, CEO and managing partner, Detroit Venture Partners, moderated the panel comprised of Angel Gambino, senior vice president, digital innovations, Westfield Shoppingtowns; Rick DeVos, CEO, Start Garden; Chris Rizik, CEO and fund manager, Renaissance Venture Capital Fund; and Dave Zilko, chairman, Garden Fresh Salsa Inc.

The panelists emphasized the need for Michigan business and entrepreneurs to abandon business as usual, move into a new culture of ideas and opportunity, and rediscover the early-stage business. Zilko said Michigan has been too focused on security and stressed the importance of learning to treasure and embrace opportunity.