After 17 years as its president and CEO, Marie Pucak offered her final farewell to the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce during its monthly meeting Tuesday at LaMalfa Centre.

"It's just so hard to put into words the gratitude I have," she said. "I even have a scholarship with my name on it. My principal would be so proud."

Pucak is leaving for Michigan with her family. Her husband received what she jokingly calls a "BFP," a big fat promotion. Unfortunately, the promotion requires them to move.

She thanked everyone and said she would suffer "monster Mentor Chamber withdrawal" once she arrives in Michigan.

"I have so many thank-you cards to write; but, for now, I just want to tell you all publicly one last time how grateful I am."

Chamber Board Chair Randy Verdi thanked Pucak for her years of service.

"We know you love us and we want you to know that we love you too," he said before giving her a bouquet of flowers.

The chamber also announced that Kevin Malecek will be Pucak's successor as president and CEO.