In a statement this week, Venture chairman Wayne Harpur said Mr Troon had been at the head of the organisation since its inception 11 years ago.
"The Venture directors would like to acknowledge and thank Jeff for all his hard work and efforts in developing Venture from the beginning.
"During Jeff's time at the helm, Venture Southland has had successes in enterprise, tourism, community and cultural development." There had also been many successes in social and education areas, all of which benefited the whole Southland region, he said.
Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno recognised Mr Troon's long and distinguished career with the Southland District Council and its predecessor, the Southland County Council.
"Jeff was instrumental in ensuring that Southland County Council had a firm grasp on its engineering and roading responsibilities ... and was one of the key drivers in ensuring the 1989 amalgamation of the county and the borough councils into Southland District Council went smoothly," Mrs Cardno said.
He also played a significant role in helping the council adopt appropriate procedures to meet its requirements under the 2002 Local Government Act, she said.
Ms Cardno and Mr Harpur thanked Mr Troon for his "loyalty and service over the past 40 years" and wished him good health in the future.
