Wake up and good morning. Two new business people have stepped up and will co-lead Tampa's business group of the young (ages 21-35), restless and perhaps ambitious -- Emerge Tampa -- for the coming year. The group is a leadership program of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce that's established itself as the leading organization in the region for young people interested in business, networking/socializing and getting more involved in influencing how the business community can make this area more compelling your career-oriented, smart people.

Emerge Tampa runs each year with two chairs, a man and woman, The 2010 duo includes Ryan Freking, associate at the commercial real estate firm Studley, Inc. and Carissa Caricato, director of marketing and communications, at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Freking studied business at Indiana University, worked for Baxter Healthcare in a financial development program then relocated in 2001 from Chicago to Tampa with Baxter to take a position selling medical devices. In 2006 joined Studley. He's active in Toastmasters International, a member of the 2010 Leadership Tampa Class, sits on the board of The Spring (domestic violence shelter) and The Producers (which promotes the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center).

Caricato has a University of South Florida degree in public relations and has worked since graduation with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. She is involved with the Public Relations Society of America Tampa Bay chapter, Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay, South Tampa Fellowship, 97 West (singles ministry), the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, High Hopes in High Heels (charity), USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy, The SSW (Society of Successful Women), Moffitt Cancer Center and Meals on Wheels.

No couch potatoes here. How often do we see that level of involvement at their ages? Anybody know where this metro area can find another 100,000 of like-minded youth?

So, Ryan and Carissa: Here's the pitch. What can you two and your Emerge Tampa organization do in 2010 that truly raises the bar in Tampa Bay, that helps a metro area still in deep recession and a part of Florida that's trying to become more attractive to younger, bright people? Show us what you've got!

-- Robert Trigaux, Times Business Columnist