Smith Named into Mississippi Business Journal Who's Who of Mississippi CEO's for 2005

Hattiesburg resident, Mark Smith, President and CEO of The CPI Group Inc., a Columbus based staffing and human resources management company, was recently recognized as the Mississippi Business Journal/Trustmark Bank Who's Who CEO of the Year at the 2005 Mississippi Business and Technology Expo held in Jackson on January 19th. Smith was selected among a handful of CEO’s across the state to receive recognition for his company’s growth and civic involvement. "Mark has exhibited outstanding leadership for his company and in the communities where his firm operates," said Robbie Bell, Director of Special Programs for the Mississippi Business Journal. "And he has been a strong leader in workforce development throughout the state."

The leading staffing and full spectrum human resources solutions firm in the state, The CPI Group employs over 200 contract workers and provides human resources management services to some of the largest organizations in and around Mississippi.

Smith originally joined the firm in 1994 in a sales capacity, was named President in 1997 and CEO in 1999. Since joining the firm, sales have increased by over 600% and the company has won virtually every type of recognition awarded in the state of Mississippi. These include consecutive MBJ/KPMG Fast 40 Awards in 2001/02 and in 2003/04, the coveted Governor’s Cup for Small Business of the Year for 2003/04 and the Mississippi Business Journal/Trustmark Bank Small Business of the Year in 2003. In 2002, The CPI Group was named an MBJ Mississippi Top 100 Company. The firm was also a finalist for the MBJ/Trustmark Bank Small Business of the Year in 2004 and in 2005.

Individually, Smith has also been awarded the MBJ Top 40 under 40 Award and was named the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year.