Photo by Joseph Bell
Raymond W. Klaiber Jr., right, discusses his accomplishments as executive director of the St. Marys Area Economic Development Corporation yesterday morning along with Elk County commissioner Daniel R. Freeburg.

By Joseph Bell

Staff Writer

Raymond W. Klaiber Jr., executive director of the St. Marys Area Economic Development Corporation, was honored yesterday morning by the Elk County commissioners for his work in creating and preserving jobs in the area.
“We’ve created over 850 jobs in St. Marys and probably retained over 4,000,” Klaiber said before Elk County commissioner Daniel R. Freeburg presented him with a proclamation in recognition of his service and retirement. “We’ve done a wonderful job for not only St. Marys but Fox Township as well.
“As I reported in my meeting in St. Marys, I never ever thought when I started with the organization that we would ever create that many jobs and that many projects. It was wonderful and it provided a real boost to Elk County.”
Klaiber first took over the executive director position in January of 1989, and prior to that appointment, served his country by military service as a pilot and served his community as a Benzinger Township supervisor.
“The county of Elk takes great pleasure in having the opportunity in honoring citizens of the county who have made a significant active difference in their community and the county,” Freeburg said during the presentation. “Raymond W. Klaiber Jr. of  St. Marys is one such individual who has made measurable positive successions in the field of industrial and economic development in the St. Marys area during his tenure as executive director of the St. Marys Area Economic Development Corporation.”
The commissioners also honored outgoing Ridgway mayor James Donald Martin.
“I have so much respect for Mr. Klaiber and his family,” commissioner Ronald T. Beimel said following the presentation. “You’ve had a great family that has supported you along the way.
“They’re both fantastic people for the whole Elk County area and I’m proud to know them both.”