Truman Abbe earns certification as Professional in Human Resources

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Monday, July 22, 2004: Truman Abbe, Pine Belt Market Manager for The CPI Group, Inc., recently earned certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). The certification, awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), signifies that Mr. Abbe possesses the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in human resource management necessary to pass a rigorous examination demonstrating a mastery of the body of knowledge in the field.

"Certification as a human resource professional clearly demonstrates a commitment to personal excellence and to the human resource profession," said Susan Meisinger, SPHR, President and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). HRCI awards two levels of certification: Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

To become certified, an applicant must pass a comprehensive examination and demonstrate a strong background of professional human resource experience. HRCI is the credentialing body for human resource professionals and is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world's largest organization dedicated exclusively to the human resource profession. The Institute's purpose is to promote the establishment of professional standards and to recognize professionals who meet those standards.

Truman received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Mississippi State University. In his final year of college, he was a member of an elite team of student human resource professionals which competed in the National Society of Human Resource Management's HR Games. Truman's team placed an impressive 2nd in the overall national competition.

Truman is an active member of the South Mississippi Chapter of SHRM. In April of 2004, he was nominated and chosen by the Area

Development Partnership in Hattiesburg to represent the Chamber of Commerce Division as an Ambassador. He is a member of the Area Development Partnership's First Friday and University Relations committees, and several other local, civic and professional organizations.