Idaho commerce chief to resign at year’s end

BOISE, Idaho — Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has announced that Jeff Sayer, director of the Idaho Department of Commerce, will step down at the end of the year.

Otter said in a prepared statement Friday that Sayer is resigning to pursue private business opportunities.

Sayer has been the department’s chief since 2011.

During his tenure as commerce director, Sayer helped passed the tax reimbursement incentive — a tax break designed to lure businesses to expand in Idaho. Sayer also served as a member of Otter’s Leadership in Nuclear Energy Commission.

Otter’s office says it will accept applications for the now open position until November 1.