September 29, 2010

Wayne State University\'s E2 Detroit conference to feature keynoter John Burtka, former divisional manager of global company turned entrepreneur

Burtka created winery on a dime; now million dollar business with plans to expand to Detroit

DETROIT-Wayne State University and TechTown, WSU's business incubator, will host the sixth annual E2 Detroit conference on Wednesday, Oct. 13. This event brings entrepreneurs together with business leaders, authors, investors and others for a program that both educates and inspires on how to create a business in a down economy.

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John Burtka

E2 Detroit's closing keynote address will be made by John Burtka, a former divisional manager in the electrical industry that served the automotive industry globally. Today, Burtka is an entrepreneur who has launched three local wineries now known as Cherry Creek Cellars and Sleeping Bear Winery. He plans to expand operations in Detroit.

"John has an interesting story to tell," said Eric Stief, technology commercialization principal at WSU. "When the business he worked for shut down, he had to reinvent himself. He creatively launched a major business in the wine industry with minimal outside funds, and now as he pursues his passion, he has his eyes on Detroit with ambitions to expand operations by growing grapes and making wine right in the city. His talk will inspire attendees on how to reinvent themselves as well as how they can help to save our region during this economic downturn."

Through E2 Detroit, Wayne State University and TechTown aim to inspire idea generators to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. Innovation and creativity are critical to Michigan's future, and E2 Detroit will give entrepreneurs creative ideas to stretch resources and develop ways to launch a business with little or no capital.

To learn more about E2 Detroit 2010 and register, visit e2detroit.wayne.edu today.

Wayne State University is one of the nation's pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world. For more information about research at Wayne State University, visit http://www.research.wayne.edu.