The CPI Group Inc. wins Third Small Business of the Year Award

Columbus-Lowndes Development Link nominates CPI for prestigious Governor's Cup and wins themselves

Columbus, Mississippi, July 10, 2003: During the annual Mississippi Economic Development Council's (MEDC) Summer Conference, The CPI Group, Inc. received the Governor's Cup for Small Business of the Year for the State of Mississippi. Governor Ronnie Musgrove presented this prestigious award to Mark Smith, CEO of The CPI Group, Inc. in the Isle of Capri Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. The CPI Group, Inc. competed against four other district winners from around the state for this coveted award. The Governor's Cup awards are sponsored by the Mississippi Development Authority in partnership with the Mississippi Economic Development Council and Gov. Ronnie Musgrove.

The Governor's Cup is given to businesses in the Mississippi area that are "committed to excellence," Governor Ronnie Musgrove said. "The businesses recognized by the Governor's Cup awards represent leaders across our state making a difference through their community involvement and economic impact."This new awards program was established to honor existing businesses and show how they contribute to their communities. The Columbus-Lowndes Development Link nominated The CPI Group, Inc. for this award in their district. The Link received $1000 grant to help plan for retaining existing industry in the area with CPI's district win and received another $15,000 grant with the statewide win.

"We are humbled and appreciative to have even been nominated for this level of recognition," stated Mark Smith, CEO and President of The CPI Group, Inc. "We believe that not only our commitment to our bottom line but also to the communities we operate within is the reason we were chosen to receive the Governor's Cup." The Mississippi Business Journal also awarded The CPI Group, Inc. with Small Business of the Year based on similar criteria as used in The Governor's Cup award. The CPI Group, Inc., a Staffing and Human Resource Management Firm, currently operates throughout the state from its corporate office in Columbus, Mississippi. CPI handles all elements pertaining to staffing and human resource management including contract and permanent staffing, training, benefits management, etc. CPI offers a full range of human resource solutions for companies large and small.