(Tampa, FL) – March 1, 2009 – Anand Pallegar, Founder and President of digital marketing company atLarge, Inc., was tapped as Tampa Bay CEO Magazine's "Emerging CEO of the Year".

"This award represents the passion, dedication and hard work of our entire team. Our clients have entrusted us with their digital initiatives, empowering our team to translate leading design and programming talents into stronger sales, acute brand awareness and fanatic customer relationships," said Pallegar. "Though our work is measured and defined by the results we produce, it's an honor to have our work and the service behind it recognized by CEO Magazine and the Tampa Bay community."

Pallegar was cited as an award-winning CEO because he empowers his team to do their best and looks for self-starters who have a vision for client service. He is a sounding board who encourages healthy debate and exceptional results, and leads by example showing employees how doing your very best services clients, the team and one's self.

The awards were judged by a panel including Renee Benton, CEO of Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance; Suzie Boland, CEO of RFB Communications Group; Ken Bakunas, CEO of Magnetic; Rachel Cantor, CEO of RC Associates; Robert Forsythe, Dean of USF College of Business; Andy Hafer, CEO of Dynamic Communities; Mary Key, CEO of Key Associates and Steve Tingiris, CEO of Prospect Smarter.

Pallegar, 30, was also recently chosen as the 2009 Vice Chair to the Board of Directors of the Tampa Bay Technology Forum, a professional association whose members work together to make the Bay area a place where technology and innovation thrive.