From left are Gary Moser, Jerry Taylor and John Bueckers, who were on the committee that built the Information Center, and chamber executive director John Wetrosky. The 20th anniversary open house will be held in early June 2020.
Information Center to celebrate 20 years The Pine River Chamber of Commerce was formed under the name of the Pine River Commercial Club in 1949, later to be renamed the Pine River Chamber of Commerce! Originally the Chamber of Commerce met at various buildings throughout the city of Pine River. Meetings were held in church basements, backrooms of businesses or any place that offered tables, chairs and perhaps a kitchen. Sometimes meetings were held at a member’s house! In 1983, the Chamber board decided it needed a more permanent place to meet and to disseminate information about the community and the area, and purchased the first Information Center. The little building worked well for a number of years before an exploratory effort began in 1995 and ended up with plans being drawn for a new building to be located at the intersection of Highways 371 and 84, the main intersection in Pine River. A committee of Chamber members and others worked through plans and as a result of their efforts obtained a number of grants to help defray the cost of the new building. The building was to be a log structure to bring attention to the area’s long and vital logging industry. A new Information Center was approved and opened 4
its doors in June of 2000. A group of dedicated volunteers and local labor worked tirelessly to build the new facility. John Wetrosky was hired by the Chamber board as executive director of the Chamber and his office was installed in the new building. A grand opening was held June 4, 2000. Then-Congressman James Oberstar was present to deliver congratulations and to celebrate the newest asset to sit beside the Paul Bunyan Trail, of which he was a great supporter. The late Terry McGaughey, known as the “Father of the Paul Bunyan Trail,” was also on hand to extend his congratulations. A great crowd gathered at the new center to celebrate the opening. Since that grand opening, the Pine River Information Center has served thousands of travelers and local residents. Many are bicycling or snowmobiling on the Paul Bunyan Trail while others are stopping for information on not only Pine River, but also on many other travel destinations in Minnesota. The Information Center is as an official Explore Minnesota Affiliate Information Center, meaning the center can give out all Explore Minnesota Tourism information including free highway maps and other items visitors welcome. The items displayed inside the building have all been generously donated by area
residents and Paul Bunyan’s baby boots also reside here ready for you to take a picture while trying them on! The Pine River Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to stop by for a visit, to pick up information or to use the modern restrooms that are very popular as well! The office and restroom area remain open through the winter. Make a point of stopping at this longtime asset to the area. You will be happy you did! John Wetrosky, Executive Director Pine River Chamber of Commerce
Pine River’s theme is “Plaid on Purpose” to celebrate the area’s heritage of logging, outdoor recreation and good, hardworking men and women. You’ll find street banners boasting the “Plaid on Purpose” theme and many folks in the Pine River area proud to be wearing “plaid on purpose.” Join us in wearing plaid!
PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com