What’s the cool app? It let Idaho private business leaders weigh in on the state of Idaho’s business climate Thursday by simply pressing buttons on their smartphones.

How did that happen? Jeff Sayer, Idaho Department of Commerce director, spoke to leaders at a lunch honoring the state’s top 75 private businesses. He invited them to sign on to SlideKlowd, a new app from Klowd.com, an Eagle technology company. As Sayer went through his talk and PowerPoint, he paused to query the audience.

What did they say? Asked what should the state should focus on, 42 said a robust workforce, 27 replied strong infrastructure and 17 said a low-cost environment.

How about health and air travel? In a separate vote, the business leaders cited the two issues as among the most important to their businesses — each got 33 votes. Twelve said energy capacity and efficiency; seven said roads and bridges; two said water and sewer systems.

Top state priority? Thirty nine business people said a competitive tax structure was the highest priority facing the state. Improving fiscal policies and health care costs each got 15 votes. Twelve said efficient and clear regulation; two said energy costs. A total of 109 people signed onto Slide-Klowd during Sayer’s talk, but not everyone voted on every question — a detail the app let Sayer monitor.

Seeking answers Sayer came to the Idaho Private 75 lunch to talk, but also to listen. “I wanted feedback,” he said. “We’re trying to find out what people think.”

Highlighting Idaho Sayer used Klowd.com’s technology during his keynote address to illustrate “the caliber of technology” being developed in Idaho. “We have nationally recognized folks and Klowd is one of them,” he said.

What is SlideKlowd? The app, developed in August 2011 by Klowd.com CEO Ken Holsinger and his team, is designed to keep audiences engaged during what might otherwise be boring presentations by asking for their involvement and feedback. It’s also a way for speakers to gauge how well audiences are tracking the conversation. Among Holsinger’s corporate clients is Verizon. He also has pilot programs with Boise State University and Northwest Nazarene University.

Bill Roberts: 377-6408, Twitter: @IDS_BillRoberts