atLarge, Inc. Founder and President Anand Pallegar -- one of Sarasota’s biggest advocates for young professionals, accepted the “Young Professional of the Year” award today at The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Frank G. Berlin, Sr. 2009 Small Business Awards.

Anand offered the lessons he’s learned for inspiring young professionals both within entrepreneurial-minded digital agency atLarge, Inc. and the community organizations he volunteers with. “Young professionals are looking for the same challenges we’re all looking for. Give them the room to take initiative. Most of all, give them the room to fail because without making mistakes we never realize our true potential.”

As a guest lecturer and commencement speaker at high schools, community colleges and universities – Anand has been able to share lessons learned in leadership, business and life. The British native came to the U.S. at 18 to attend medical school at the University of Michigan when a small Web hosting company he had started from his dorm room led the college sophomore down a new path. A year later, he was recruited as Technical Director to lead US operations for EYE4U; at the time a European leader in interactive marketing. Developing strategies for the Fortune 500, Anand quickly defined himself by identifying new technologies and trends for the industry. A near-fatal car accident landed him in Sarasota to recuperate here under his parents' care. His passion for digital advertising led him to launch atLarge, Inc., which has quickly built an influential client base, accumulated numerous industry awards and recruited leading digital creatives, strategists and programmers from across the state. Though it’s headquartered in Sarasota, the firm has offices in Tampa and clients throughout the nation.

In addition to pioneering the atLarge vision, Anand is committed to fostering technology and non-profits within the greater Sarasota / Tampa area. He serves as vice chair of the Tampa Bay Technology Forum, president of the local American Advertising Federation chapter (AAF-Suncoast) and technology chair for Girls Inc. of Sarasota County. Under his direction, atLarge, Inc. launched the Dream Large program – an initiative that leverages technology to support area non-profits dedicated to youth education and outreach. Each year Dream Large selects one organization to partner with for a year of digital marketing services aimed at helping organizations further their mission and reach. Dream Large has given over $400,000 in digital marketing services to community non-profits.