Head of Idaho Commerce Department stepping down

BOISE (AP) - The head of Idaho's Department of Commerce for the last three years has decided to step down and resume his career in the private sector.

Don Dietrich announced his decision to leave the agency Tuesday.

Dietrich took the helm in April 2008 when he was serving as administrator of the agency's Division of Economic and Community Development.

He took over for Jim Ellick, who left after serving less than a year on the job.

Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter praised Dietrich's efforts to engage industry and business leaders across the state and attracting new companies to cities like Twin Falls, Pocatello and Idaho Falls.

Dietrich is a former executive with Aspen Technology and Cargill Inc. He submitted his resignation Aug. 5.

Otter says a search is under way for a successor.