The CPI Group Inc. wins Third Award of the Year

Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce Awards Mark Smith with Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Columbus, December 7, 2001: Mark Smith, CEO of The CPI Group Inc., accepts his third award of the year during the Annual Meeting and Gala of the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce.

The CPI Group Inc., is comprised of three companies: Columbus Personnel Inc., SmithAvery & Associates, and Southern Charters. These companies provide both temporary and permanent staffing solutions for companies of all sizes, an executive placement and human resources management firm, and the #1 limousine service in the Golden Triangle area. CPI distinguishes itself from its competitors as a full-spectrum, human capital management firm. They are able to manage any aspect in human capital placement and retention services needed by companies in this area and beyond.

Smith was recognized for his vision in the many areas of the Employment Industry. In his acceptance speech, Mark thanked his many clients and employees for helping him achieve the success he has seen in the past several years. Stacy McCall of Service Master, the new Chairman Elect of the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, presented the award. A short video montage was put together by WCBI showing Mark Smith and his employees in their various work settings.

Nominations for this award are collected from local members of the Chamber. An internal committee is then appointed and decides who the winning candidate for Entrepreneur of the Year will be. Other Business and Community Service awards presented that evening were to Al Puckett (Business Person of the Year), Jim Kirkley (Volunteer of the Year) and Randolph Lipscomb (Focus Award). The evening ended with a stirring speech from a member of the elite NYPD Emergency Services Unit, Mario Zorovic. He told of the many things that he and his fellow comrades have experienced at Ground Zero since the September 11th disaster. This speech brought tears from many honored attendees.

Other awards received by The CPI Group Inc. this year include the prestigious award of one of Mississippi's Fast 40 companies. This award is presented by the Mississippi Business Journal and is based solely on the financial growth of companies based in Mississippi. This data is certified by KPMG, a leading, international accounting firm. The Mississippi Business Journal also awarded Mark Smith in their selection of the top 40 businessmen and women in the state of Mississippi under the age of 40. Winning Entrepreneur of the year is a

fitting end to an award-winning year for The CPI Group Inc.