Cumberland Marketing acquires Bliss Agency

KINGSPORT, Tenn.-Cumberland Marketing of Kingsport announced on September 8, 2011, the acquisition of Bristol's Bliss Agency. The deal combines Cumberland's expertise in marketing, branding, promotions, and interactive services with Bliss' extensive background in web development, and mobile solutions.

"This is a great fit and perfect timing," said Chris Bowen, president and chief executive officer of Cumberland Marketing. "We admire the quality of work and market savvy the Bliss agency has offered our region. For us to integrate that excellence into our own
growing, dynamic operation-it's a solid win for both companies, and especially for each of our clients."

Established in 1987, Cumberland Marketing has outperformed economic expectations, steadily expanding their staffing and operations. That success, said Jean Boggs-Rowe, vice president of marketing, is what allowed the company to approach Bliss with confidence. "Over the past few years, we have grown our capabilities to include a wide range of marketing applications. With the incorporation of Bliss, we are now able to offer clients of both companies, a proven, comprehensive spectrum of marketing expertise. We are especially excited to become a more integral part of the burgeoning growth of Bristol's downtown and creative community."

"We know Bliss in good hands," said Ben Collins, former creative director of The Bliss Agency. "From the start of our talks with Chris, we felt comfortable knowing our creative legacy of the past few years, as well as our client portfolio would be well taken care of at Cumberland." Former president of Bliss, Cam Collins, will be working actively with clients and Cumberland staff to ensure a smooth transition.

"Over the coming weeks, we will be evaluating the individual needs of our new clients and introducing them to the specialists on our staff. We look forward to demonstrating our know-how and feel positive, knowing the culture of Bliss's clients, that energies will be a match," said Kevin Jones, interactive director.

Consolidation between the two companies will take place in the following weeks. In the meantime, clients or interested parties may contact Cumberland Marketing at 423.378.5823