HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — Kerr Drug has appointed 919 Marketing as its marketing agency of record.

The marketing, consulting and public relations firm said the deal expands the existing partnership between the two North Carolina companies.

919 Marketing noted that it has been the public relations partner for Kerr Drug since 2005 and now, as agency of record, it will also provide strategic planning, branding, media planning and placement, advertising and production services for the Raleigh, N.C.-based drug store chain, which has 84 stores across the state.

"Kerr Drug battles well-heeled national players every day, and we need a full-service marketing partner with smart, powerful ideas to help us drive sustainable brand growth," Diane Eliezer, director of marketing at Kerr Drug, said in a statement. "919 Marketing’s PR efforts have resulted in more media coverage of Kerr Drug initiatives than ever before. It’s a natural transition since the 919 team has always been actively involved with our internal marketing department to develop and implement strategic marketing initiatives around our proven community-based pharmacy care model."

For its first item of business, 919 Marketing plans to conduct consumer research and strategic planning for a brand positioning campaign to be launched with an aggressive broadcast and digital ad campaign starting this month.

"We have enjoyed working with Kerr Drug over the last four and half years and are excited to expand our relationship," commented David Chapman, chief executive officer of Holly Springs, N.C.-based 919 Marketing. "The upcoming ad campaign is just the start of communicating the Kerr Drug consumer brand experience."