Bob Thorstenson (third from right) poses with a group on the opening day of PFI in June 1965.
Petersburg Fisheries, Inc. or PFI celebrated its 50th Anniversary in June. The local giant is much more than a staple of the community, it's a vital brick that allowed Petersburg to continue building its foundation.
When Alaska achieved statehood in 1959 salmon traps were abolished, sending the enthusiasm for the fishing industry of many Alaska canneries owned by out-of-state interests into a downward spiral. Pacific American Fisheries (PAF) headquartered out of Bellingham, Wash. was one of them.
PAF maintained its presence in Alaska and Petersburg until 1964, when it was bought by a group of...
Reader Comments(1)
ROBERT MAGNUS THORSTENSON writes:
Remarkably accurate. Along with BobT Gordon Magnus and Tom, the Swansons, Conns, McKays, and many many more PFI employees and, of course, the fishermen are what made this company. My company founders shared their vision, risk and reward far and wide and that made all the difference. All Alaskan companies outta be set up this way. The new guys would be well served to set up the 1965-2007 success story all over again. The next generation is here and we've got more than 100 grand BobbyT
12/28/2015, 6:10 am
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