CPI Group named Mississippi Salute to Business and Industry Small Business of the Year 2003

Jackson, Mississippi, January 22, 2003: Today the Mississippi Business Journal, (MBJ) Mississippi's essential business publication, in sponsorship with TrustMark Bank and CopyTek Corporation recognized The CPI Group of Columbus as Small Business of the Year, during the Salute to Business and Industry, 2003.

Several hundred Mississippi businesses were judged based on company growth, recognition and achievements, company leadership, community service and employee quality of life. Judging was performed independently by three business professors from USM, Millsaps and Mississippi College. Regarding the Business of the Year selection, MBJ publisher Joe Jones, CPA said, "This designation signifies a company's level of commitment not only to their bottom line, but also to their communities and to their employees." CPI and its staff members are involved in over ninety local, regional and national organizations and events.

Mark Smith, CPI Group President and CEO along with Director of Operations, Karen Stanley were presented the award by Joe Jones and Haley Barbour, former White House advisor and Chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Completing its 20th year of operations, The CPI Group is a full service human resources and workforce solutions provider based in Columbus. They provide a single source for virtually all employment related issues, providing other businesses with Temporary and Permanent Contract Staffing, Human Resources Consulting, Employee Training, Outsourced Human Resources Management, Handbook and Policy Manuals, Background Checks, U.S. Government Certified payroll services and National Employer of Record services. Additionally, Employee Benefits Management and Executive Recruitment services are provided. The company also conducts local and statewide seminars on a variety of business issues involving personnel and business development topics.

In December 2001, The CPI Group received the KPMG Fast 40™ designation; ranking 29th out of the 40 fastest growing companies in Mississippi. In 2002, additional recognition was provided, recognizing CPI as one of MBJ's Top 100 Companies which is a designation based on total yearly sales volume.