Former state Commerce Director Jeff Sayer received sustained applause after Gov. Butch Otter recognized him in his State of the State message this afternoon, lauding his work. “The team he’s built and the programs he’s launched will continue to have a great impact on Idaho’s bottom line,” Otter said. “Please join me in thanking him for helping Idaho rank first in the nation for job growth, sixth among states for economic outlook, and among the top states for starting a small business.”  Sayer acknowleged the applause and flashed a thumbs-up from the gallery.