The Sacramento Metro Chamber has launched a new effort to put Sacramento on the map by channeling the energy and innovation of the city's emerging leaders.

Metro EDGE is a new program created to give Generation X and Generation Y professionals a vehicle to support Sacramento's growth as a major metropolis full of cultural, social and business opportunities. At the same time, the program is intended to draw more young energy to the city and help stem an exodus of people looking for opportunities in major cities.

The group's official debut is set for a Sept. 9 "official launch" at L Wine Lounge, 1801 L St. In July, more than 100 people gathered at a networking mixer at Lounge on 20, 1050 20th St., to learn more about the program.

The group's organizers want to harness the city's creative types, entrepreneurs, young professionals and college graduates into a force that can help Sacramento rival other major cities, said Metro EDGE's chairwoman, Autumn Heacox of Sierra View General Contractor.

"What's different about Metro EDGE is that we have a strong sense of community and a drive to make Sacramento a better place," she said. "We are a group of Generation X and Generation Y professionals that prides itself on uniting with one voice to offer a unique perspective on Sacramento's most pressing issues."

The group's volunteer leaders are noticing many people leave Sacramento for cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York after growing up or going to college here, said Ingrid Foster, the chamber's president of communications.

"We hope this group can help keep our talent local," she said.

Metro EDGE will engage in workforce development and promote the things that make Sacramento a good place for young professionals to come.

"It's an opportunity for our young professionals to share our community and significant regional attributes with their peers," said Linda Cutler, chamber board chair and vice president of corporate communications for GenCorp.

The program is expected to help promote a new generation of leaders via professional development, networking events and organized activities involving such issues as transportation, development, job growth, arts and culture, green technology and sustainable living. The program also will create a forum for these generations to discuss regional issues.

The group is meant to complement the chamber's Leadership Sacramento program, started in 1985 to promote leaders who want to serve the community.

The launch party at L Wine Lounge will celebrate Sacramento and its food, beer, wine, music and celebrities, Foster said.

"We're going to have a celebration of things that are local," said Foster.