In 1989, the IMC membership totaled 2131 members, of which 1579 were CMCs, 540 of these CMCs being from large firms (from the IMC Member Directory for 1989). IMC’s leadership was strong, and the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI) was gathering momentum with former IMC President John Roethle as its first president, and John’s immediate predecessor, Michael Shays, an influential member. The economic outlook was robust, and the consulting associations enjoyed harmonious relationships. With such optimism and great expectations, the Council of Consulting Organizations (CCO) was launched.

III.1. The Union

CCO came into being with great expectations as announced in the following press release:

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FACT SHEET

The Council of Consulting Organizations, Inc. (CCO) is devoted to advancing the knowledge and quality of consulting to management and to enhancing the image and understanding of the profession among its various publics. The Council was formed in 1989 by the consolidation of its two divisions—ACME, the association of management consulting firms, and IMC, the Institute of Management Consultants. The Council also has one affiliate - The Foundation for Excellence in Consulting and Management.

ACME, formed in 1929, is the oldest and largest organization representing management-consulting firms in the world.. ACME member firms must meet demanding membership requirements and pledge to uphold a strict and enforced code of professional conduct and standards of practice. ACME firms—15% of which are foreign based—employ over 45,000 management consultants in over 100 countries worldwide and have annual billings in excess of $5 billion. ACME firms range in size from having ten consultants to 14,000 and from operating out of one office to hundreds around the globe.

IMC, founded in 1968, represents individual management consultants dedicated to maintaining strict professional requirements for individual consulting practitioners. IMC grants the CMC—Certified Management Consultant—to consultants possessing the ethical standards, professional competence and independence required for membership. IMC represents over 2,100 consultants through 27 chapters nationwide.

The Foundation for Excellence in Consulting and Management is a nonprofit affiliate that sponsors research and educational programs and funds projects, grants and awards in accordance with its mission of advancing the art and science of consulting and the practice of management.

Programs and Services
CCO supports the management consulting profession through many programs and services such as:
· Surveys and publications that provide timely data on current issues in management consulting.
· Seminars, regional meetings and conferences held in both the United States and abroad which help to disseminate information on new technology and techniques in management consulting.
· Government relations committee, which monitors and develops reactions to US legislative and regulatory initiatives.

Leadership
CCO President Edward D. Hendricks manages the daily operation of the association. Chairman Paul F. McMahon, International Executive Partner of Ernst & Young, CCO’s chief elected officer, is responsible for overall direction of the association’s activities.

Information
For more information, write to the Council of Consulting Organizations, Inc., 230 Park Avenue. Suite 544, New York, New York 10169 or call (212) 697 9693.

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As all things change, and all things move on.

Additional sections of this chapter can be read in the complete pdf file:

III.2. The Council of Consulting Organizations (CCO)
III.3. The Umbrella Develops Holes
III.4. The Other Management Consulting Associations (1989-94)

© 2004. The Institute of Management Consultants USA