2015 AMS Annual Meeting

The Eighth CCM Forum, sponsored by the American Meteorological Society, and organized by the AMS Board of Certified Consulting Meteorologists, will be held 7 January 2015, as part of the 95th AMS Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. 

The theme for the 2015 AMS Annual Meeting is “Fulfilling the Vision of Weather, Water, Climate Information for Every Need, Time, and Place.”  Although this need is often fulfilled by governmental agencies and larger private sector companies, smaller private sector companies and individuals are coming more to the forefront in providing specialized forecasting and consulting services.  Certified Consulting Meteorologists (CCMs) are among the best-equipped resources to provide such tailored services and support.

However, CCM’s (especially those who own and operate small businesses) may not be as well versed in all of the ramifications involved in business matters:  type of business model (e.g., LLC versus sole proprietorship, Chapter C versus sub-S), accounting and billing procedures, employment contracts, taxes, insurance (Including errors and omissions), benefits, governmental regulations, marketing, web site development and use, the value of the CCM (for potential CCM candidates) and much more.

A half-day forum entitled, "The behind the scenes, nuts and bolts, of running a CCM business" is planned in which CCMs and other experts in business operations will share their experiences in running a business.  Presentations will include advice and counsel, experiential sharing and panels addressing specific areas involved in running a business.  The goal of the forum will be to make any CCM who runs a business better able to make that business run effectively and successfully as it provides services to a growing client base.