Serving on a Chamber board is a significant commitment. Board members lend their expertise, time, and connections—not for recognition (at least we hope that’s not the sole reason), but because they believe in the mission and the community.
When it’s time for a board member or board president to retire from service, showing sincere appreciation is not just courteous—it strengthens the culture of your organization and sets the tone for future leadership.
But what do you get for people that often have everything? You don’t want the gift to be a dust collector. You want it to be a meaningful representation and memory of their board service.
Whether you’re planning an end-of-year appreciation event, a leadership transition, or simply want to elevate your recognition practices, this guide offers gift ideas and best practices including those from chamber pros across the country on ways to say thank you with intention.
Best Practices for Honoring Board Members
Believe it or not, while there may not be bad ways to honor people, there are more effective ways to do so.
Here’s what you should know:
Plan Ahead
Make recognition a standard part of your board transition plan. Assign a staff member or committee to track board milestones, collect testimonials, and organize gifts or tributes well before their final meeting.
Publicly Acknowledge Their Service
Recognition shouldn’t happen in a vacuum. Use your annual meeting, leadership luncheon, or another signature event to thank outgoing board members. Include their name, years of service, and key contributions. That last part is really important because it provides a legacy and helps people remember the good work the chamber and its team are doing.
Speaking of…
Capture Their Legacy in Writing
Include a short write-up about their contributions in your newsletter, blog, and/or on social media so that these moments of appreciation are visible to those off the board as well. Doing so makes the community aware of the board members’ efforts and may also create a fear of missing out scenario where more people will want to be a part of what you and your board are doing because they see how appreciated your chamber volunteers are.
You could add a special page on your website to highlight retiring board members each year. Not only does this honor the individual, but it also helps potential future board members understand the value of service.
Invite Them to Stay Involved
While their board term may end, their connection to the chamber doesn’t have to. Offer them opportunities to mentor newer board members, serve on committees, or attend future events as “Board Alumni.”
Make It Personal
Generic gifts or acknowledgments can fall flat. Add a personal touch to every recognition effort—whether it’s a handwritten note, a favorite quote, or recalling a specific project they championed. The little details matter.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Retiring Board Members and Presidents
Need a few ideas for great gifts? Here are some ideas from Chamber Pros followed by a few of our own:
- Charcuterie Board (idea credit from Eric Siemers, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce; Rachael Leigh, River Country Chamber of Commerce of Newaygo County; Nancy Smith Binger)
- “We do an engraved photo frame with a photo of them doing something at the chamber, attending a meeting, speaking at a podium something like that. That’s for general board members for the board chair, we do a bigger collage of photos from his of her time as a board chair.” (Kristi Howell)
- “We’ve done an engraved compass, thanking them for guiding the way. We’ve done hour glasses thanking them for their time. Both of these seem to be the favorite items we’ve given. Everyone likes playing with them. I take into consideration what the past year was like. We had to build out a new office space this past year. We asked each board member to write a Bible verse or encouraging saying on the beams. So I’m looking at engraving hammers with either the verse they sent over of something meaningful from us to them and giving them as a gift for their help in building the future. Sometimes they all receive the same thing and sometimes each person gets something personalized that represents what stood out about them over the past year.” (Ashlee Burke, President & CEO at Royse City Tri-County Chamber of Commerce)
- “We used to give a chair. What about local piece of art? It is hard since it is not a one size fits all.” (Dianne Phillips, Vice President of Administration at Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce)
- “For women, an engraved silver bracelet (from a member of course). For men, an engraved Cross pen.” (Adele Parrish Watts, CEO & President at Robertson County TN Chamber of Commerce and President & CEO at Goodlettsville Chamber of Commerce)
- “We do a photo with an engraved plate with dates of service.” (Deanne Healey)
- “Donation to charity of their choice.” (Moore Chamber)
- “Donation to their favorite local charity who is also member!” (Mary Peters Siders, President at Levelland Chamber of Commerce)
- “Cross pen with chamber logo.” (Dee Jacob, Shoreline Chamber of Commerce)
- “We have done engraved business card holders and also nice, embossed leather notepad binder/folder…Outgoing chair gets a professionally framed tobacco leaf. They are treasured here since we are the home of the world’s finest dark fired tobacco.” (Carly Keith Rager, Director of Marketing & Events at Robertson County TN Chamber of Commerce)
- Framed photo collage or custom illustration. Include moments from events, ribbon cuttings, or legislative visits. A custom illustration of your city or chamber building can also make a striking keepsake.
- Letters of gratitude bound into a book. Ask fellow board members, staff, and community leaders to write short thank-you notes.
- Local experience packages. Bundle gift certificates to member businesses—restaurants, spas, boutiques, or theaters—into an “Explore Local” experience basket. It supports members and celebrates your board member in one thoughtful package.
- Chamber-branded executive gifts such as leather padfolios, travel mugs, journals, or other items engraved with the chamber logo and their years of service.
- A named chamber scholarship or award for significant contributors, consider naming a scholarship or community award after them for one year—especially if they were passionate about a specific program.
- Brick or tree dedication. A plaque, brick, bench, or tree in their name is a meaningful, lasting tribute.
- Custom map or city artwork or a print from a local artist that symbolizes the community they helped strengthen.
- Video tribute. Collect short video clips from other board members, partners, and staff. Edit together a tribute video to show at your annual event and send to them as a keepsake.
- A toast and tribute. Sometimes, the most moving recognition is spoken from the heart. Carve out time for a well-crafted toast and give the outgoing member a chance to say a few words if they’d like.
Recognition Builds Culture
Recognizing retiring board members is about more than courtesy—it reinforces a culture of gratitude, leadership, and legacy. When you honor outgoing leaders with intention and authenticity, you’re not just saying thank you. You’re demonstrating what leadership looks like and inspiring the next generation to step up and serve.
Whether you go big or keep it simple, make it personal—and make it count.
