Two major advertising agencies in the CSRA, South Company and The Alison Group, have merged effective Nov. 1, 2016, forming one of the largest full-service firms in the region with offices in Aiken, Augusta and Charlotte.

“By combining our talents, we will have the operational systems and expanded design staff to take our firm to the next level, helping our clients achieve their business goals by effectively reaching their target markets,” said Cynthia South, President, South Company.

The new firm, Alison South Marketing Group, will be led by Mike Thomas, chief executive officer, Cynthia South, president, and Mark Alison, chief operations officer. The Alison Group, based in Augusta, has been managing national and regional accounts for 34 years. South Company, based in Aiken, was established in 2010. Together, the staff includes 20 employees, including account executives, multi-media and web designers, event planners, media buyers, referral generators and public relations specialists.

“We look forward to providing enhanced services to our clients,” Thomas noted. “With an office in Augusta and Charlotte, we will be more accessible to clients in those markets, and more involved in those communities.”

Alison said, “Our merger is bringing our extensive agency management experience to an agency that is a catalyst of young professionals with innovative ideas, and we are excited about the additional services we can bring to our current client base.”