The executive director of the Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corp. is retiring.

The Monroe County commissioners presented Charles A. “Chuck” Leonard with a certificate and a small parting gift at the board’s meeting this week.

Commissioner John Christy, the chairman of the commissioners, said he has worked with Leonard for about 14 years. He read the certificate, which stated that Leonard has given about 30 years of dedicated service to the Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corp.

“Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement,” Christy said.

Robert Gress, the chief clerk for the county, then gave Leonard a gift, and Leonard pulled a gray T-shirt from the bag that said “Trust Me” on the front. The gift made him laugh.

Leonard said, “I’m famed for being at a closing and being asked, ‘Are you sure? What’s to guarantee this will go forward?’ I said, ‘What, trust me doesn’t work anymore?’ My solicitor told me you need to have a gross of ‘Trust Me’ T-shirts so that when we go to closings I can pass them out.”

“Oftentimes, Chuck will say this is 80 jobs. I know it’s going to be 80 jobs there, but maybe 100, 150, 3,000 jobs,” Christy said. Leonard said, “I really appreciate the support of the county commissioners. Without your help, there’s at least 15 industries that wouldn’t be in our community, and there’s 30 miles of gas lines and sewer lines and other kinds of infrastructure that without your support would not have happened and thousands of jobs. So we thank you for your steadfastness in supporting us.”

Leonard went on to say that although he is leaving, he is confident in the work of his staff: Michelle Bisbing, director of marketing; Rachel Hendricks, economic development specialist; and Lisa Caldera, office administrator.

“I think you’ll be pleased going forward with what they’re able to get done for the county,” Leonard said.

“They have big shoes to fill,” Christy said.

Later in the meeting, Commissioner Sharon Laverdure added her thoughts on Leonard’s retirement.

“I did work with Chuck when I was involved with the education in the East Stroudsburg School District before I was a commissioner, and he was very helpful moving many projects forward for us, and that was very helpful, too,” she said.

“Candy Burger, an auditor for Polk Township, is also retiring. Burger was not present at the commissioners meeting to receive a certificate.