AUTHOR/SPEAKER BACKGROUND Since 1998, Barbara Tako has been a motivational clutter clearing and home organizing speaker and published author. She shares her techniques and humor through her unique blend of infotainment for businesses, parenting groups, church groups, and other organizations in the Midwest. Barbara has been interviewed on television and radio shows, published in USA Today magazine and numerous times in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and featured in the Pioneer Press, White Bear Lake Press, and St. Croix Valley Press. Barbara has worked with six metro Community Education districts in the St. Paul, Minnesota area. She was the simple living columnist for the White Bear Press for several years. She also coordinated a nonprofit simple living group which met monthly in White Bear Lake, Minnesota for several years. Barbara Tako speaks to women's organizations, church groups, retreat groups, and to employee groups at business wellness seminars and lunch and learn talks. Her new clutter clearing and home organizing book is Clutter Clearing Choices: Clear Clutter, Organize Your Home, & Reclaim Your Life. During seven years in the business world, Barbara handled billing, payroll, and inventory. She was later an underwriter, supervisor, instructor and internal publications writer in the insurance industry. Her graduate studies in industrial/organizational psychology were at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and English are from Luther College, Decorah, IA. Barbara's satisfied corporate customers include: Wells Fargo, 3M, Target, Medtronic, Super-Valu, & Securian. Barbara is also a home manager in the Stillwater, Minnesota area where she seeks to practice what she preaches for her spouse, children, and dogs! Barbara continues to enjoy speaking to groups and helping individuals who wish to decrease clutter, and improve home organization for a simpler, more focused life. Here are descriptions of some of Barb's recent seminars: Clear Clutter & Organize Your Home: For all ages and stages of life, this clutter control and home organizing seminar will help free up time and energy for your priorities. Learn techniques to get rid of household clutter and then organize what is left! Pick from a variety of ideas and techniques to choose what fits best for you! Kids & Clutter: A presentation designed to address clutter concerns from preschool through high school, including informational paperwork and activity schedules, homework, art creations, toys, books, and bedroom organization. Simplify Your Christmas: A talk designed to help you simplify and organize your holidays, focusing on Christmas but applicable to other holidays and traditions. Planning, holiday cards, gift giving, baking, cooking, and decorating are included. Time Clutter Clearing: A seminar to help you find, organize, and prioritize your personal time. We will cover some classic time perception and time management techniques within the framework of simple living. Paper Clutter Clearing: A presentation to help you get rid of clutter and organize your personal paperwork, recognizing your own personal style. Learn simple ways to control and manage paperwork. Seminars, talks, and presentations include handouts with a detailed outline, bibliography, and further resources. Additional information and references available upon request. BARB'S SPEAKING  & CONSULTING RATES For more information: Call 651-470-1039 E-mail: simplify@clutterclearingchoices.com Rates are dependent upon the size of the group and whether or not the seminar is for a business or a nonprofit organization. Travel expenses may apply. Please call for specifics. Phone consultations and In-home consultations are also available on a limited basis. See what other people are saying about Barb's talks and book, go to Testimonials. To view previous clutter clearing newsletters, go to the Newsletter Archives. For information about Barbara Tako, go to the Media Room. To view current clutter clearing and home organizing articles, go to Examiner.com for the Minneapolis Home Organizing Examiner.