Lt. Governor-elect Sue Ellspermann is traveling to Iowa today to participate in the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) Executive Committee and New Member Meeting.

The confernece will focus on economic growth, job creation and strategic energy policy. It also will help new members acclimate to their roles through an exchange of best practices and encourage them to work together on critical issues facing the states.

Indiana's lieutenant governor used to direct economic development efforts before the duties were moved to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation in 2005.

The lieutenant governor's office does oversee the Indiana Office of Energy & Defense Development, which shepherds the state's energy plan.

"I look forward to joining my fellow lieutenant governors from across the United States in Iowa this week for the NLGA Meeting," Ellspermann said. "In the coming days, we plan to take full advantage of the resources offered by the NLGA in order to best serve the people of Indiana over the next four years."

To contact Niki Kelly email her at nkelly@jg.net or follow her on Twitter @nkellyatJG.