Interactive Agency atLarge, Inc. Wins EDC Hall of Fame Award of Excellence

Sept. 29, 2008 - PRLog -- SARASOTA, FLA – Each year, the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County recognizes businesses innovating their industry as well as the community with the Manufacturer, Service and Technology Company of the Year awards.  Criteria for the awards include corporate citizenship and community involvement; corporate responsibility through employee programs; company growth, innovative achievements and market expansion. The best all-around organization from all categories is then selected for the Award of Excellence. This year, interactive advertising agency atLarge, Inc. picked up the designation.

“To be in the company of such prestigious organizations and past award-winners like Michael Saunders & Company, Tervis Tumber and L-3 Communications / METI is a tremendous honor,” said atLarge, Inc. President Anand Pallegar. “Since our inception in 2004, we have followed an unconventional approach to raising awareness about the technical and creative talents within our Region.  We spearheaded the Sarasota | Manatee Technology Conference and Techfast Breakfast, overhauled the branding for the AAF-Suncoast ADDY competition and repeatedly lent our support to the Sarasota International Design Summit. In addition to these targeted community collaborations, our relationships with progressive clients committed to leveraging the Web for unparalleled brand experiences, have helped us bolster both our company and our Region’s technology and creative economies.”

Pallegar said this shift along with a tightened economic landscape has worked to atLarge’s advantage. “As marketers strive to do more with less, they are demanding a return on investment for every ad dollar they spend and since technology integration and ROI is baked into every project we deliver, we’ve made significant strides in growing our client base across multiple states and industries.  We look forward to pushing ourselves and Sarasota County even further.”

In addition to the favorable company growth, atLarge, Inc. has also made a significant impact on the Sarasota community – donating 20 percent of its entire book of business to non-profit work. This year, the firm also launched Dream Large, an initiative focused on fulfilling a non-profit's interactive marketing needs for one full year. Girls Inc. of Sarasota County, Ringling College of Art and Design's Sarasota International Design Summit Online Campaign for 2006, 2007 and 2008, the Sarasota Film Festival Online Campaign for 2006, 2007 and 2008, the Sarasota | Manatee Technology Conference Branding and Interactive Campaign are just a few examples of donated work that has benefited the Sarasota community.

As an Award of Excellence winner -- atLarge, Inc. will also be nominated for the Florida Governor's Business Diversification Awards, a program recognizing contributions to Florida's economic diversification and growth.

About atLarge, Inc.
atLarge, Inc. is a privately held interactive advertising agency focused on building client brands through compelling, online experiences. Founded in Sarasota in 2004, we specialize in all facets of Internet brand development including Web site development, analytics, Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing and usability design.  We have elevated sales and brand awareness for a range of influential companies such as ActionQuest, Admiral Travel, BBDO, Detroit Regional Chamber, Dictor|Martin, Ford Motor Company, Hoveround, Michael's On East, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota Economic Development Corporation, Sarasota Film Festival, Sarasota News and Books, Summit Hotels and The Observer Group. Learn more at www.atlargeinc.com.  

About the EDC
The EDC of Sarasota County is the private, not-for-profit corporation leading the community’s economic development strategy to add high-wage jobs and diversify the local economy. The EDC provides business assistance to companies in Sarasota County and helps forge solutions to community challenges that affect quality of life. The EDC works in partnership with chambers of commerce, local governments and other organizations throughout the county and the region. For more information, visit www.edcsarasotacounty.com.

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About atLarge, Inc.
atLarge, Inc. is a privately held interactive advertising agency focused on building client brands through compelling, online experiences. Founded in Sarasota in 2004, we specialize in all facets of Internet brand development including Web site development, analytics, Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing and usability design. We have elevated sales and brand awareness for a range of influential companies such as ActionQuest, Admiral Travel, BBDO, Detroit Regional Chamber, Dictor|Martin, Ford Motor Company, Hoveround, Michael's On East, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota Economic Development Corporation, Sarasota Film Festival, Sarasota News and Books, Summit Hotels and The Observer Group. Learn more at www.atlargeinc.com.