You're fired? Not in group of firm founders and chiefs

The Entrepreneur's Organization wants to expand its Reno/Tahoe Chapter. And joining has gotten a tad easier.

The organization merged two years ago with Young Entrepreneur's Organization, resulting in a 10-year boost to the minimum age limit, now 49.

But financial qualifications remain; firm must have $1 million in annual revenue and the member must be a founder, president or major shareholder.

"If you can be fired, you can't be in it," says Cort Christie, membership chair. Christie is founder of Corporate Service Center, which which helps upstart companies form business entities.

Membership in the Reno chapter, formed in 1999, is comprised of service industries, sales and technology.

"We could use some contractors among the membership, says Christie.

Recruiting members for this group poses some challenges. "Members are hard to find because they're

extremely independent individuals who have succeeded on their own," says Christie. "They don't understand there's a value in learning from others."

And determining qualifications can be tricky. "They're more open about their op line (sales) but not the bottom line (profits)," he adds.

"The group's goal," says Christie, "is to create a network of peers they can find support from." They tend to be driven and so get along well together, he adds. "They speak the same language and share the same challenges."

Programming topics range from negotiation to sales and from personal defense to improving relationships.

"I like EO because it's business owners helping other business owners" said Darren McBride, current EO president and owner of Sierra Computers. "EO does not have the overhead of a full time staff and is a non-profit organization."

In addition to educational presentations, the group presents forums, at which up top 10 members meet. A member presents a problem or situation and asks advice and experience of the other members. It's an optional activity.

Founded 20 years ago, the group numbers 6,600 members with over 108 chapters in 38 countries. The Reno chapter numbers about 30 local business owners.

The organization invites business owners and founders to an introductory breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sage Creek Grill and Taproom at Meadow Wood Courtyard on South Virginia. RSVP required to 830-8524 or cort@nchinc.com.