POST FALLS - When Idaho Lt. Gov. Brad Little isn't rounding up cattle at his ranch or presiding over the Senate, he's rounding up businesses to dig Idaho out of the recession.

Little spoke to Classical Christian Academy students in Dave Johnson's civics class on Thursday, hitting on the economy and his work.

He said exports are among the ways the state will emerge from the recession ahead of others.

"All the growth is taking place in Asia," Little said. "Our access to Asia - even though we don't have a seaport other than Lewiston - is to our advantage. We're a lower-cost state. We have cheaper power, abundant water and a great labor force."

Gov. Butch Otter departs today to lead a delegation of Idaho businesses, including Idaho Forest Group, on a trade mission to China. Little fills in for the governor while he is out of state.

"Hopefully it will lead to success for North Idaho wood products in Asia," Little said.

Little said he's encouraged to meet with other countries' officials and Idaho businesses to learn about the products and needs of buyers before trade missions even take place.

"It's important to them that we know what they're talking about and that we're just not there saying to buy products from Idaho," Little said.

Little said economic development has been a focal point of his job since he was appointed Idaho's 37th lieutenant governor in January 2009.

"If anyone talks about the possibility of new jobs, we're keenly interested in that," he said. "We try to facilitate doing the right thing and right now doing the right thing in Idaho is creating economic growth."

Little said people are just happy to have jobs, so there's a "job takers" climate.

He said hopefully job creation will create a "job choosers" market. Little encouraged the students to have an entrepreneurial spirit to be "job makers."

Senior Gerry Koep said hearing politicians in class - Little is the latest to speak at the school - is always refreshing and interesting.

"It's nice to hear first-hand what's going on in our political system from the people who actually are at Washington, D.C., or the (state) capitol," she said.

Johnson said he invites elected officials to speak because it fits in with how the school focuses on original source learning.

"We're so grateful to live in a state that has access to the people who serve us and that they visit our small school," Johnson said.