January 14, 2010
Reporting and photo by Larry Sillanpa, editor of the Duluth Labor World.
DULUTH - As a “welcome” nod to Duluth’s new Community Services Program Director Beth Peterson, her colleagues in Minnesota came to Duluth Tuesday for their training meeting. Peterson, who started in October and then had to jump right into all the holiday programs, was able to get two days of training on problem-solving, fundraising, and initiatives to share information and resources. The training was conducted by AFL-CIO Midwest Region Director Nancy McCormick.
A member of AFSCME Local 3801, which represents clerical and technical workers at University of Minnesota-Duluth, Peterson has been an active member of the Community Services Committee and was instrumental in her union starting their own such committee.
Peterson replaced Yvonne Harvey, who retired after many years of service to the Twin Ports labor movement and community. The Community Services program provides an important link between unions and the community and helps workers access resources to help them survive difficult economic times.
Pictured above: AFL-CIO Community Services staff from Duluth and the Twin Cities metro area attended the training with AFL-CIO Midwest Region Director Nancy McCormick (seated left). Seated on right is St. Paul’s Lynne Larkin-Wright. Standing left to right are St. Paul’s Kera Peterson, Beth Peterson, Stillwater’s Corrine Watson, Minneapolis’ Betsy Hunter and Doug Flateau, and Candace Lund of the MinnesotaAFL-CIO.