EO, The Entrepreneurs’ Organization, is a global, membership-based association of nearly 8,000 members who belong to 118 chapters in 38 countries. To join, a new member’s firm must have annual revenues of at least $1 million (it has a development program for companies with $250,000 - $1 million called EO Accelerator). The main draw of EO is forum, a monthly gathering of 8-10 members that functions as a peer roundtable, in which members help each other through shared experiences. The organization also holds an annual conference, many local learning events, and attracts some of the top entrepreneurial personalities in the world as speakers.

The EO-Chicago chapter, founded in 1994, has 138 members. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of them since the Coleman Center has built a strategic partnership with the chapter, serving as an educational resource for its members. Representing EO’s global membership, these business owners run food, technology, service, and manufacturing firms. They range in age from their late-20s to their mid-50s. They’re in the city, the suburbs, and the outlying areas. In other words, they come from all walks of life.

So while I’ve gotten to know something about EO, it’s been with a local perspective, little understanding of its membership affinity, and from the outside looking in. Attending the conference gave me a brief opportunity to see the organization from the inside (note: GLC is a “closed” conference for EO chapter board members and the organization’s leadership and staff; I was invited as a guest by a member of EO-Chicago’s board who is also on the Coleman Center’s advisory council).

That brief inside view really opened my eyes. I learned that EO’s membership has grown nearly 25% in the last five years, it has a strong financial footing with ample reserves and many corporate partners, and a membership affinity that mirrors that of university alumni, die-hard sports fans or fraternity brothers.

Little did I know that not only is EO an organization on the move and one that appears well-managed, but it seems to have achieved success doing what so many entrepreneurial organizations struggle with: finding a way for business owners from different industries, backgrounds, and cultures to not only connect but support and educate one another.

The sense of community was palpable at the conference as I witnessed members from Costa Rica, Australia, Vancouver, and Chicago talk business, exchange stories, and share laughs. I heard EO’s outgoing board chair talk of his worldwide travels, exchanging bear hugs with fellow members from several continents. And I heard the chapter leaders’ friendly competitive spirit and exuberant pride during the awards ceremony.

EO’s “stickiness” is best evidenced by its 87% member retention rate, up from 84% in 2007. With annual dues that exceed $3,000, when both the total members and retention have grown over the past several years, you know they’re doing something right.

So if you are a second-stage business owner and haven’t yet taken a look at EO, do so. I’m sure it’s not for everyone, but it sure is the right thing for a lot of entrepreneurs around the world.

For information about EO-Chicago, visit http://www.eochicago.org