News and Events
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (December 5, 2023) – CPM Federal Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial institution with a primary focus on empowering members of our community, is pleased to announce a collaboration with the Palmetto Excel Center. The Palmetto Excel Center, situated in the Charleston area, offers tuition-free education for adults. The center tackles obstacles that prevent individuals from pursuing high school education by acknowledging and overcoming barriers that come with outside life circumstances and commitments.
A significant part of CPM’s mission is placing focus on serving people in their community. Their passion lies in sharing knowledge with the employees and students of the Palmetto Excel Center and providing them with the steppingstones to reach financial freedom.
Caitlin Melton, CPM Federal Credit Union Business Development Officer, said, “We are excited to have the opportunity to empower students at the Palmetto Excel Center by sharing financial literacy as a part of the curriculum.”
Melton has spoken with classes educating students about the differences between banks and credit unions. CPM is looking forward to future opportunities to help launch the journey to a brighter financial future.
Since 1955, CPM Federal Credit Union has held a commitment to deliver exceptional service and value every day and with every interaction recognizing that Carolina People Matter. Since our humble beginnings, CPM has grown to over $600 million in assets, has earned national recognition for financial strength, and now delivers better banking to more than 61,000 people throughout the communities served by our network of 11 South Carolina branches and highly rated digital services (4.9 Stars to be exact). As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, CPM is committed first and foremost to enriching its member-owners’ financial well-being through their participation in the products and services of the Credit Union. Stop by and find out why over 61,000 of your neighbors have chosen CPM for better banking.
CHARLESTON, SC (June 30, 2023) – CPM is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Easterling Scholarships. A total of five scholarships were awarded this year totaling $8,000. The 2023 Easterling Scholarship recipients are listed below:
Awarded $3,000 is Jaiden Davis. Ms. Davis is an upcoming sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with plans to major in Business. Congratulations again on your accomplishment, Jaiden, and all the best for the year ahead!
Awarded $2,000 is Clark Young. Mr. Young will begin his freshman year at Georgia Institute of Technology with plans to major in Mechanical Engineering. Best of luck, Clark!
Awarded $1,000 is Sarah Hobson. Ms. Hobson is entering her sophomore year at University of South Carolina in Columbia with plans to major in Biology - Pre-Med. Way to go, Sarah! Congratulations!
Awarded $1,000 is Charlotte Whitesell. Ms. Whitesell will be entering her freshman year at Furman University with plans to major in Biology. Awesome job, Charlotte! Congratulations and good luck!
Awarded $1,000 is Agostina Mercado. Ms. Mercado will be entering her freshman year at the University of South Carolina Columbia (Honors College) with plans to major in Neuroscience and minor in Art. Congratulations and best of luck Agostina!
CPM is pleased to present these scholarships and wish all of the recipients a bright future! Congratulations.
CPM Federal Credit Union Named One of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina/July 28, 2022
CHARLESTON, SC (July 28, 2022) – We are thrilled to announce CPM Federal Credit Union has been named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina for 2022 by SC Biz News and Best Companies Group. The annual program recognizes and honors the best employers in the state that excel at creating positive and supportive workplaces for employees.
“We are thrilled and honored to be named one of the 2022 Best Places to Work in South Carolina! We know our employees are our greatest asset and set us apart from the competition. They are what makes us great as an organization and a great place to work,” said Shannon Pahula, COO. “We live a simple philosophy of happy employees create a happy work environment. Their passion for service to our members and each other is unmatched. They truly live our core value, All One Team. We have some of the best and brightest in South Carolina and others noticed too!”
The 119 companies chosen this year range from contractors to suppliers, distributors, and credit unions. Each company was surveyed in a two-part process which included an employer questionnaire about policies and procedures as well as an employee survey with eight focus areas including work environment, pay and benefits, leadership and planning, and overall engagement. CPM Federal Credit Union was one of six credit unions be awarded this year. It’s an honor to be in such great company.
About CPM Federal Credit Union
CPM Federal Credit Union was formed in 1955 by employees of the Charleston Paper Mill.
CPM has $535 million in assets, has earned national recognition for financial strength, and now delivers better banking to more than 60,000 people throughout the communities served by our network of 11 South Carolina branches.
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Easterling Memorial Scholarship Recipients for 2022 Announced/May 31, 2022
CHARLESTON, SC (May 31, 2022) – CPM is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Easterling Scholarships. A total of 3 scholarships were awarded this year totaling $6,000. This year’s recipients are
Awarded $3,000 is Fiorella Orozco of Simpsonville, SC. Fiorella is an upcoming sophomore at Duke University majoring in Biology and Global Health. Ms. Orozco made the 2021 Duke University Fall Dean’s List with Distinction, making her a part of an elite group of individuals comprising the top 10% of Duke University. Congratulations again on your accomplishment, Fiorella, and all the best for the year ahead!
Awarded $2,000 is Brianna Williams of Summerville, SC. Brianna is an upcoming sophomore at Rhodes College majoring in Biochemistry. Please join us in offering her our congratulations! Best of luck, Brianna!
Awarded $1,000 is Kenton Frazier of Bluffton, SC. Kenton will begin his freshman year at the University of South Carolina (Columbia) majoring in International Business. Way to go, Kenton! Congratulations!
CPM is pleased to present these scholarships and wish all of the recipients a bright future! Congratulations.
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CPM Welcomes Chief Lending Officer/November 15, 2021
CHARLESTON, SC (November 29, 2021) – CPM Federal Credit Union is proud to welcome Rob McFarland to their executive leadership team as Chief Lending Officer. Rob brings 26 years of financial services experience and a diverse lending background, including deep experience in commercial lending.
Rob earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina in Interdisciplinary Studies . He has been married to his wife, Angela, for 24 years, and is active in his community. In his spare time he enjoys working on classic cars and working at his horse farm. CEO James Gergen commented “We are so excited to have Rob join our team. Our executive leadership team already had over 100 years of experience in all areas of financial services, and now Rob brings additional skills which will help us even better serve our communities. He will help us with our mission to provide affordable credit, combat predatory lending, and improve the financial wellbeing of our members. This year we set records for providing affordable consumer loans and affordable mortgage loans, and with Rob leading our lending team we will build on those successes while also expanding our commercial lending.” CPM Federal Credit Union retained the services of Modern Executive Solutions, an executive search & talent advisory firm headquartered out of Atlanta, GA.
About CPM Federal Credit Union
CPM Federal Credit Union was formed in 1955 by employees of the Charleston Paper Mill.
CPM has $535 million in assets, has earned national recognition for financial strength, and now delivers better banking to more than 60,000 people throughout the communities served by our network of 11 South Carolina branches.
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2021 Easterling Scholarship Recipients Announced/June 4, 2021
CHARLESTON, SC (June 4, 2021) – CPM is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 Easterling Scholarships. A total of 3 scholarships were awarded this year totaling $6,000. This year’s recipients are:
$3000 - Fiorella Orozco, Simpsonville Human Biology, Health, and Society, Duke University (Freshman)
$2000 - Christina Brown, Greenville – Music Education - University of South Carolina (Sophomore)
$1000 - Caleb Enfinger, Pelham, AL -
Secondary Social Studies Education – University of Alabama (Sophomore)
CPM is pleased to present these scholarships and wish all of the recipients a bright future! Congratulations.
Easterling Memorial Scholarship Recipients for 2020 Announced/May 15, 2020
CHARLESTON, SC (May 15, 2020) – CPM is proud to announce the winners of the 2020 Easterling Scholarships. A total of 4 scholarships were awarded this year totaling $5,500. This year’s recipients are
$2500 – Joshua Smith, Taylors Business Management, Coastal Carolina University (Junior)
$1000 – Abigail Shafer, Orangeburg Biology, University of South Carolina (Freshman)
$1000 – Caleb Enfinger, Simpsonville Secondary SS Education, Greenville Technical College (Freshman)
$1000 – Christina Brown, Greenville Music Education, University of South Carolina (Freshman)
CPM is pleased to present these scholarships and wish all of the recipients a bright future! Congratulations.
Easterling Memorial Scholarship Recipients for 2019 Announced/May 28, 2019
CHARLESTON, SC (May 28, 2019) – CPM is proud to announce the winners of the 2019 Easterling Scholarships. A total of 5 scholarships were awarded this year totaling $6,000. This year’s recipients are
$2000 – Alexis Hunter, Orangeburg Computer Science, Clemson University
$1000 – Brittany Lee, Orangeburg Science Education, Western Governors University
$1000 – LaTearsa Jenkins, Port Royal Nursing, Midlands Technical College
$1000 – Luke Smith, Greer Communications, Coastal Carolina University
$1000 – William McDougal, Simpsonville Political Science, The Citadel
CPM is pleased to present these scholarships and wish all of the recipients a bright future! Congratulations.
CPM Recognized by Forbes Magazine/July 5, 2018
N. CHARLESTON, SC (July 5, 2018) – CPM is honored to be in the chosen few! We were recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the “Best in State” credit unions. Only 145 credit unions across the U.S. were named. Financial Institutions were rated on overall recommendations and satisfaction as well as trust, terms and conditions, branch services and financial advice. Learn more about this honor! We hope you are just as excited as we are! Your credit union is not only financially strong but service driven!
Easterling Memorial Scholarship Recipients for 2018 Announced/June 30, 2018
N. CHARLESTON, SC (June 30, 2018) – CPM is proud to announce the winners of the 2018 Easterling Scholarships. A total of 4 scholarships were awarded this year totaling $6,000. This year's recipients are
• $2000 – Jordan Creech, Orangeburg – Coastal Carolina University; Major: Accounting
• $2000 – Carleigh Sigel, Simpsonville – Western Carolina University; Major: Biology and Forensic Science
• $1000 – Amari Johnson, Orangeburg – Claflin University; Major: Mass Communications
• $1000 – Cheritan Johnson, Orangeburg – Winthrop University; Major: Computer Science
CPM is pleased to present these scholarships to these worthy recipients as they prepare for their future. Congratulations to all!
CPM Awarded "Top 200" Healthiest Credit Unions/May 30, 2018
N. CHARLESTON, SC (May 30, 2018) – CPM is proud to announce that we have been awarded one of the top 200 healthiest credit unions. We are 91st out of 5,573 NCUA insured credit unions in the United States.
Easterling Memorial Scholarship Recipients for 2017 Announced▼May 1, 2017
N. CHARLESTON, SC (May 1, 2017) – CPM is proud to announce the winners of the 2017 Easterling Scholarships. The Board of Directors awarded 4 scholarships this year totaling $6,000. CPM received 33 excellent applications this year.
The recipients were as follows:
$2000 – Megan Keech, Simpsonville – Entering Freshman year at Clemson University
$1500 – Lauren Singleton, Ravenel – Entering Junior year at Clemson University
$1000 – Duncan McCain, Greenville – Entering Sophomore year at Clemson University
$1500 – Asha Simpson, Orangeburg – Entering Freshman year at Jacksonville University
Stephanie Easterling joined her daughter, Ryan Easterling, in presenting the scholarship to Lauren Singleton at the CPM Park Circle branch. Also on hand were Supervisory Committee member, Victoria Montgomery and CEO James Gergen. Board Member, Laurie Anderson, presented Megan Keech with her scholarship at the CPM Simpsonville branch location. Board Vice Chair, Randall Trigg and Business Development Officer, Kim Rogers, presented a scholarship check to Duncan McCain at the Greer Branch location. Brenda Austin, Business Development Officer, presented Asha Simpson her scholarship award from CPM during her high school awards ceremony.
CPM is pleased to present these scholarships to these worthy recipients as they prepare for their future. Congratulations to all!
Easterling Memorial Scholarship Recipients for 2016 Announced▼ August 15, 2016
N. CHARLESTON, SC (August 15, 2016) – CPM is proud to announce the winners of the 2016 Easterling Scholarships. The Board of Directors added 3 additional scholarships in the amount of $1000 each due to the number of excellent applications received this year.
The recipients were as follows:
$2500 – Mikel Hannah Harding, Beaufort – Entering Sophomore year at College of Charleston
$1000 – Henry Schubert, Beaufort – Entering Freshman year at Limestone College
$1000 – Julie Rowland, Hanahan – Entering Freshman year at University of South Carolina
$1000 – Kerry Fowler, Spartanburg – Entering Freshman year at Clemson University
Stephanie Easterling joined her daughter and 2 grandchildren in presenting the scholarship to Julie Rowland at the CPM Park Circle branch. Board Chair, Mike Chodnicki, was also present. Board member, Herbert Glaze, presented Mike Hannah-Harding and Henry Schubert their scholarships at the CPM Beaufort Trask Parkway branch. Business Development officer, Kim Rogers, and Branch manager, Brian Bailey, presented Kerry Fowler her scholarship at the CPM Spartanburg branch.
CPM is pleased to present these scholarships to these worthy recipients as they prepare for their future. Congratulations to all!
CPM Relocates Summerville Branch to Nexton®▼April 11, 2016
N. CHARLESTON, SC (April 11, 2016) – CPM is proud to announce that our Summerville branch has now relocated to a state-of-the-art facility in Nexton®. On Monday, April 11th, the Summerville at Nexton location celebrated their grand opening beginning with the Nexton Elementary Honors Choir singing the national anthem. Several state representatives, community leaders, CPM Board Members and Mill retirees participated in the ribbon cutting following opening remarks. There were fun festivities throughout the entire day including a clown, ice cream, and local food trucks. The new Summerville location is at 165 Brighton Park Blvd. in Summerville.
CPM Opens Branch on Park Circle in North Charleston▼April 8, 2016
N. CHARLESTON, SC (April 8, 2016) – CPM is proud to announce that our newest branch located in North Charleston is now open. TheNorth Charleston at Park Circle location celebrated their Grand Opening on Friday, April 8th. The day included opening remarks by our CEO and other key leaders followed by a ribbon cutting. Several community leaders, CPM Board Members and Mill retirees joined us for the festivities. Members and guests enjoyed delicious food, music, a clown, and much more throughout the entire day. This location is at 1066 E. Montague Ave in North Charleston.
Inclement Weather Update for the Upstate▼January 22, 2016
N. CHARLESTON, SC (January 22, 2016) – Due to inclement weather, our Upstate branches will be closed today. This includes our Greer, Greenville, Spartanburg and Simpsonville locations. All other locations will be open under normal operating schedules including our Contact Center. We also have a large selection of surcharge free ATMs for your convenience.
CPM Supports Wounded Warriors▼ November 11, 2015
N. CHARLESTON, SC (November 11, 2015) – CPM is proud of our relationship with the Marine Core Air Station in Beaufort. We are grateful for all of our military who defend our country. CPM recently made a $1,000 donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of those who serve so unselfishly.
CPM Assists Kapstone Employee▼ October 30, 2015
N. CHARLESTON, SC (October 30, 2015) – CPM gave a $1,000 donation to assist Kapstone employee, Brian Allen, who was in a horrific accident while at work. Donations can be made to https://www.gofundme.com/a66xdsmc.
American Red Cross Victims Relief▼ October 23, 2015
N. CHARLESTON, SC (October 23, 2015) – CPM Federal Credit Union made a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross to assist victims affected by the recent flood. The heart of credit unions is community involvement and CPM is glad to have the opportunity to help people in the areas where we serve.
Easterling Memorial Scholarship Recipient▼ August 3, 2015
N. CHARLESTON, SC (August 3, 2015) – CPM is proud to announce the winner of the 2015 Easterling Scholarship, Kendeana Berry! Kendeana will be a senior at the College of Charleston this fall. Kendeana has a passion for financial literacy and the credit union movement. Present for the award ceremony were the Easterling family, including Stephanie Easterling, her 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Also present was our Board Chairman, Mike Chodnicki. Congratulations Kendeana! Mr. Easterling would be proud!
Potential Phishing Scam Using ATM and Debit PIN Numbers▼ July 6, 2015
N. CHARLESTON, SC (July 6, 2015) – We have been notified of a potential text phishing scam asking members for their account numbers and ATM or Debit PIN. Please know CPM would not send a text or contact you for your account information. It’s important to disregard any such requests. If you have responded or have questions about protecting your account against fraud, please contact us immediately at 800.255.1513 or visit your local branch.
Upcoming Password Changes to Online Banking▼ May 1, 2015
N. CHARLESTON, SC (May 1, 2015) – Your security is our #1 priority. Your CPM Anytime Online Banking is being enhanced and will soon require all users to update their security questions to a more complex group of questions. In an effort to improve our online security measures, on May 19, 2015, we will begin requiring a more complex password. Please look for additional communications as we approach May 19th.
CPM Debit and ATM Card Transaction Issues▼ May 1, 2015
N. CHARLESTON, SC (May 1, 2015) – We are aware debit and ATM transactions that occurred on April 27, 2015 between the hours of 4:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. may not have posted to members’ accounts. We are diligently working on a resolution; however, it is imperative that you monitor your account and consider any transactions made on your account during this timeframe. Should you have questions or need assistance with your account, please do not hesitate to contact us or visit your local branch.
CPM Attends SC Manufacturing Conference▼ April 13-15, 2015
N. CHARLESTON, SC (April 13, 2015) – Our Business Relationship Managers attended the South Carolina Manufacturing Conference on April 13-15, 2015. Their display was featured on the SC Manufacturing Conference Facebook page. Thank you to Kim Rogers, Caitlin Melton and Brenda Austin our CPM Business Relationship Managers.
CPM Attends BMW Supplier Diversity Event▼ April 8 & 9, 2015
GREER, SC (April 8, 2015) – CPM Federal Credit Union attended the annual BMW Supplier Diversity Event in Greer, SC on April 8 & 9, 2015. Attendees included CPM Board Member, Mr. Randall Trigg. Mr. Trigg is also the Manager of Procurement North America, and Mr. John Brisini, a member of the CPM Supervisory Committee. James Gergen, CEO of CPM; Ralph Micalizzi, CFO of CPM; Shannon Pahula, Marketing and Retail Director; and Kim Rogers, Business Relationship Manager(Upstate).
CPM to Build Nexton® Branch▼ February 11, 2015
SUMMERVILLE, SC (February 11, 2015) – CPM Federal Credit Union has announced the purchase of land in Nexton® in Summerville, South Carolina to develop a full-service branch. Mike Chodnicki, Vice Chairman of CPM and Summerville resident, commented “We are very pleased to take this step which will lead to better serving our members with a 3,400 square foot full-service branch in this new and exciting community. Nexton is the heart of the Region’s most vibrant growth area and a community focused on the future. When the new branch opens in 2016 we will relocate the operations of our small Summerville branch into the new branch. Our new branch will be a modern, one-story, full-service facility on the corner of Brighton Park Boulevard and Rose Drive with dedicated parking, 2 drive-up teller lanes, drive-up ATM, night drop, and safe deposit boxes.”
Melissa Peterson, CPM Board member and Summerville resident and business owner, commented “We are delighted to be in Nexton and have engaged the firm of Stubbs Muldrow Herin to design a branch that will provide a great experience for our members and fit with the style of this new and high-tech community.”
About CPM Federal Credit Union
CPM Federal Credit Union is a member owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution with $267 million in assets operating 10 branches throughout South Carolina serving 64,000 members. The Credit Union was formed in 1955 by employees of the Charleston Paper Mill and has expanded to serve other major employers, including MeadWestvaco, the developer of Nexton. Proudly serving so many groups throughout the State, CPM strives to deliver service and value everyday recognizing that Carolina People Matter.
About Nexton
Nexton is new thinking in community design, coming to life at I-26 and Highway 17A in Summerville, South Carolina, at the heart of metro Charleston’s most vibrant growth. It’s a fresh response to what people and businesses need today to be creative and successful. A place where innovation is fueled by South Carolina’s first community-wide, gigabit broadband service. Where a commitment to education and healthy living will offer long-term benefits to all. And where even the smallest details are intended to make everyday life simpler and more fulfilling.
CPM Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Day▼ January 20, 2015
N. CHARLESTON, SC (January 20, 2015) – CPM celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, JR by attending the 45th Annual MLK Business and Professional Breakfast in Charleston. This event is one of many events held in his honor during the month of January. We were honored to attend and celebrate the life and work of Dr. King.
In attendance were John Brisini, Supervisory Committee Member; James Gergen, CEO; Shannon Pahula, Director of Retail and Marketing; Caitlin Melton, Business Development Officer for the Coast; and Brenda Austin, Business Development Officer for the Midlands.
Red Cross and CPM Working Together December 5, 2014
N. CHARLESTON, SC (December 5, 2014) – The Palmetto SC Region of the American Red Cross provides vital services to the entire state of South Carolina. CPM is proud to sponsor the American Red Cross Palmetto SC Region. In 2014, they provided disaster relief to 7118 individuals and their families. To us, Carolina People Matter and this is just one way we show just how much!
Easterling Memorial Scholarship Recipient▼ August 18, 2014
N. CHARLESTON, SC (August 18, 2014) – Mrs. Stephanie Easterling, her daughter Ryan and granddaughter were delighted to join in the presentation of the first Russell Easterling Scholarship to James Kyle Sheldon. Kyle is a student at the University of South Carolina pursuing a major in International Business. The check was presented to Kyle by CPM’s Board Chairman, Gwen Miller. Also present were CEO James Gergen and Shannon Pahula, Director of Retail Operations and Marketing. Congratulations Kyle!
Bruce Melville (Major, USMC[Ret]) joins Board of Directors▼ August 5, 2014
N. CHARLESTON, SC (August 5, 2014) – CPM Federal Credit Union appointed Bruce Melville as the newest member of the Board of Directors.
Major Bruce Melville [Ret] of Beaufort, SC recently completed an extensive Marine Corps career having been stationed in the U. S. and overseas. His expertise as a Comptroller, Budget Officer and Strategic Planner will be a tremendous asset to CPM and its members. He provided strong leadership throughout his career in management and operational planning. Major Melville’s addition to the Board accomplishes its endeavor to have representation from all CPM locations across the state.
John Brisini joins Supervisory Committee ▼ August 5, 2014
N. CHARLESTON, SC (August 5, 2014) – CPM Federal Credit Union appointed John Brisini as its newest member of the Supervisory Committee.
Mr. Brisini brings to the Supervisory Committee a wealth of experience in business development and marketing. He is a graduate of the College of Charleston and currently works with AI Group, a Charleston based consulting firm. He has previously volunteered with a variety of not for profit organizations, such as the MUSC Children’s Hospital and the YMCA of Greater Charleston. “I’m excited,” said Brisini, “CPM is an outstanding organization. I look forward to working with what is already an extraordinary team.”
**PHISHING ALERT**▼ July 23, 2014
We are aware of a growing trend of “Phishing” attempts targeting CPM members. If you receive a phone call or an email from someone claiming to be CPM, please be aware that we would NEVER ask for your password or IP address. If you are suspicious of the contact, please offer to call us back or forward your email to: contactus@cpmfed.com and we will be happy to assist you from there. Also, please document the number you received the call from or the email address of the sender and forward to us through one of our published channels.
If you use CPM Anytime Online Banking, please make sure that you are securing your computer properly by installing security updates in a timely manner, using a firewall, and installing anti-virus and anti-malware software to monitor your computer in real time. If you suspect that your computer has a virus or malware infection, DO NOT access any sensitive websites like CPM Anytime Online Banking or other financial or shopping sites until your computer has been cleaned.
Debbie Sovine joins Board of Directors▼ July 22, 2014
N. CHARLESTON, SC (July 22, 2014) – CPM Federal Credit Union appointed Debbie Sovine as their newest member of the Board of Directors.
Ms. Sovine is Human Resources Manager for Drive Automotive in Piedmont, SC. Drive Automotive is a division of Magna, one of the largest car parts manufacturing companies in the world. Drive provides parts for manufacturers such as BMW, VW, Paccar and Ford. Drive’s Charter is based on “fairness and concern for people.” That philosophy fits well with the credit union motto “not for profit, not for charity, but for service.” Ms. Sovine has over 25 years of experience in human resource management and serves as the Board’s second representative from the Upstate.
2014 Kapstone Picnic 2014▼ May 16, 2014
Caitlin Melton, Coast Business Development Officer, and Ken Robertson, Charleston Branch Manager, had a blast and a great turnout at our founding SEGs family and friends picnic! It was nice to see new and old friends! Thanks for having us!
2014 BMW Supplier Diversity Event▼ April 9, 2014
CPM proudly co-sponsored a dinner for BMW’s Tier 1 suppliers on April 9 in Greenville. The dinner preceded BMW’s Supplier Diversity Event at which minority owned businesses had the opportunity to network and establish a business relationship with BMW, CPM, and other BMW Tier 1 suppliers. Our CEO, James Gergen, spoke at the dinner and welcomed BMW’s Tier 1 suppliers. He thanked them for their commitment to diversity and for their contribution to the economic success of South Carolina. We wish the 1,400+ attendees of the Supplier Diversity Event much success in 2014 and beyond!