Bonjour,

I sit on several boards I observe the same tendency:

• a small get together, which is associated to holding a board meeting.  For example, it can either be the night before where, for one board, we get together to have dinner and listen to a presentation on some special topic of interest to board members and which can serve as contnuous education for those of us who are certified.  I also saw a small cocktail reception after a board meeting in the morning.
• gifts is something else.  In the private sector, it is usual.  The recent tendency I see is to give an iPad.  In government, gifts seems to create ethical problems (using tax payers money...) and none are usually offered. 
• I never saw a press release for a departing member, but I suppose that if the member is the chair of the board whi is also retiring from active life, it would be appropriate, as a form of special life-time achievement, thank you note. But I must admit that I am not personally comfortable with this idea as a norm for departing members if the press release is only for this or these persons.  On the other hand, it is often the case that a presse release is issued for new members joining a board.  In such a situation, I think it is appropriate to thank those leaving.

Lyne

We (a Crown corporation) provide all new Board members with a silver pin with the organization's logo on it, and then a gold pin upon completion of their 1st term. As part of the member's final meeting, the Chair will acknowledge their contribution over the years, and a farewell toast is done at a lunch with the Board and management.