The answer to your question is,
Encountering a bear.
-Mabel <3
(Also, I love your username ;o)
I do believe those are correct.
A comma and a conjunction always work well but it really depends on the sentences you are combining.
To explain the colonists’ reasons for breaking ties with Great Britain
Answer:
While a brand stands on its own, marketing seeks to push it forward, emphasizing the products and services available in a way that encourages potential customers to make a move. The brand is the message, but the marketing is how you communicate the message.