The small town of Mound House, 10 miles outside Carson City, boasts an eclectic mix of businesses.
Long known for its collection of brothels, which advertise along Highway 50 East, Mound House has also attracted manufacturers of such things as fasteners and steel trusses.
But it doesn't have a chamber of commerce or any other type of business group, said Michelle Fissori, owner of 2nd Place thrift and consignment store. The Mound House Advisory Council deals with planning issues, but not business concerns.
So Fissori has petitioned Mound House businesses to join a new organization. The first meeting is 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Old Time Café in Mound House.
"We're hoping somebody will show up," she said.
Fissori has circulated flyers and called business owners. She said about 16 have committed to forming the organization.
"We just have so many businesses up there, and if we put in the effort, we could do a lot of good."
The Mound House Business Association's goal is to collectively market its retail establishments and support organizations that service the community - such as Lyon County Search and Rescue, Lyon County Animal Shelter, United Blood Services and the Mound House Fire Department.
Fissori said Mound House has about 330 business. Lyon County records 335 business licenses in the area but many of those, while they have licenses to operate in the community, are actually based in Dayton, Carson City, Stagecoach or Gardnerville.
A few Mound House business owners contacted Monday afternoon were unfamiliar with the plan and expressed doubts that such a group could work in Mound House, which lacks any anchor retailers or planned commercial development.
But Fissori is optimistic. She said that she'll sit down with any business owner or manager - even those from Mound House's most notorious profession.
"Unfortunately, they're there, but they're a business too," she said.
n Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.
If you go
What: Mound House Business Association - founders' meeting
When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Old Time Café, 10196 Highway 50 East
Information: Contact Michelle Fissori at 721-9552