This amendment does not dissolve WestPac.
It simply transfers WestPac to Region 6, so Region 6 can use it as its own conference organization.
Region 7 will step out of WestPac governance but will receive its fair share of existing funds based on membership. Region 7 already has its own nonprofit conference group — the Summit Regional Conference — and we have successfully run two independent events with great feedback.
This change lets both regions grow independently, develop their own conference cultures, and avoid unnecessary overlap. WestPac will continue under Region 6’s leadership, keeping its history and structure intact.
The proposed amendment seeks to restructure the Western and Pacific Regional Conference (WPRC) by transitioning governance exclusively to Region 6 and returning Region 7’s proportional share of WPRC financial assets. This change is motivated by practical experience, organizational development, and the evolving needs of both regions.
Regions 6 and 7 are geographically large, culturally diverse, and administratively complex. While the historical collaboration within WPRC has served both regions for many years, the political and organizational realities have shifted. Maintaining a shared governance structure across two vast regions has increasingly created challenges in coordination, representation, and decision‑making.
Allowing each region to develop independently will:
Strengthen regional identity and culture
Improve responsiveness to local needs
Reduce political entanglement between regions
Allow each region to pursue conference models that best fit their membership
This amendment supports healthier, more autonomous regional development.
Region 7 has already demonstrated the viability and value of operating independently. The formation of the Summit Regional Conference Organization, a fully established 501(c)(3) nonprofit with its own bank account, shows that Region 7 has both the administrative capacity and community support to run its own events.
Region 7 has already:
Held two independent regional conferences
Received strong positive feedback from attendees
Demonstrated financial responsibility and organizational stability
Proven that separate regional conferences can be highly worthwhile
This track record confirms that Region 7 is ready and able to operate independently of WPRC.
The WPRC bylaws already contain a proportional‑distribution mechanism in Article XII (Dissolution). Using the same method to return Region 7’s share of existing assets is consistent, fair, and transparent.
This one‑time reallocation:
Honors Region 7’s historical participation in WPRC
Ensures Region 7 has resources to continue building its independent conference
Provides a clean financial separation
Prevents future disputes over shared assets
After this distribution, Region 6 will assume full responsibility for WPRC finances, governance, and conference operations.
By formally separating governance and finances, both regions gain:
Clear authority structures
Independent conference planning timelines
Freedom to innovate without cross‑regional constraints
Reduced administrative burden
A more accurate reflection of current regional realities
This amendment is not a dissolution of relationships — it is a respectful and strategic realignment that allows both regions to thrive.
This bylaws amendment is a thoughtful, forward‑looking step that reflects the growth and maturity of both Region 6 and Region 7. It acknowledges the success of Region 7’s independent conference efforts, reduces unnecessary political entanglement, and ensures fair financial treatment for all chapters.
It positions WPRC to operate more effectively under Region 6 while empowering Region 7 to continue developing its own regional culture and conference identity.
The purpose of this amendment is to restructure the governance of the Western and Pacific Regional Conference (WPRC) by:
Removing Region 7 from participation in WPRC governance, operations, and conference management, thereby placing full responsibility for WPRC under Region 6; and
Returning Region 7’s proportional share of existing WPRC financial assets to Region 7 chapters, based on membership percentages, as a one‑time settlement.
This amendment ensures a clear and orderly transition while maintaining compliance with PTG bylaws, nonprofit requirements, and WPRC’s organizational purpose.
Article I.B
Replace:
“The WPRC derives its rights and powers from the Bylaws of The Piano Technicians Guild, Inc. (PTG) and shall operate in compliance with all PTG Bylaws, Operations Manual, Codes and Policies.”
With:
“The WPRC derives its rights and powers from the Bylaws of The Piano Technicians Guild, Inc. (PTG) and shall operate in compliance with all PTG Bylaws, Operations Manual, Codes and Policies. WPRC shall function solely as the regional conference organization for PTG Region 6.”
Article II.A (Purpose)
Replace:
“The primary purpose of the WPRC is to increase the effectiveness of the PTG in Regions 6 and 7…”
With:
“The primary purpose of the WPRC is to increase the effectiveness of the PTG in Region 6…”
Article III.A
Replace:
“One representative from each PTG chapter in Regions 6 and 7…”
With:
“One representative from each PTG chapter in Region 6…”
Article III.C
Replace:
“The Regional Vice Presidents of the PTG Regions 6 and 7.”
With:
“The Regional Vice President of PTG Region 6.”
Section 2: Host Chapter
Replace:
“The chapter shall be in PTG Regions 6 or 7.”
With:
“The chapter shall be in PTG Region 6.”
Replace:
“Remaining (cash) assets shall be conveyed to the chapters in PTG Regions 6 and 7 in direct proportion to membership…”
With:
“Remaining (cash) assets shall be conveyed to the chapters in PTG Region 6 in direct proportion to membership.”
Add the following new section to Article IX:
Upon removal of Region 7 from WPRC governance, Region 6 shall allocate funds to Region 7 chapters in proportion to their membership as of the date of adoption of this amendment.
The proportional calculation shall follow the same method used in Article XII (Dissolution), distributing funds based on each Region 7 chapter’s percentage of total Region 7 membership.
Funds distributed under this section shall constitute a one‑time reallocation of Region 7’s historical share of WPRC assets.
After completion of this reallocation, Region 7 shall have no further claim to WPRC assets, revenues, or future proceeds.
The Treasurer shall prepare a full accounting of WPRC assets within 30 days of amendment adoption and shall complete all distributions within 60 days.
The Treasurer shall provide a written report of the completed reallocation to the Board at the next scheduled meeting.
Add the following transitional clause:
Upon adoption of this amendment, all references to “Regions 6 and 7” within the WPRC Operations Manual shall be interpreted to mean “Region 6” until such time as the Operations Manual is formally updated by the Executive Committee.
This amendment shall take effect immediately upon approval by the WPRC Board under the voting requirements of Article X.
(As amended July 2026)
A. The name of this organization shall be the Western and Pacific Regional Conference, PTG, hereinafter referred to as WPRC, a non‑profit 501(c)(6) organization under the laws of the State of California.
B. The WPRC derives its rights and powers from the Bylaws of The Piano Technicians Guild, Inc. (PTG) and shall operate in compliance with all PTG Bylaws, Operations Manual, Codes, and Policies. WPRC shall function solely as the regional conference organization for PTG Region 6.
A. Purpose
The primary purpose of the WPRC is to increase the effectiveness of the PTG in Region 6 by promoting and managing an Annual Conference for the primary purpose of:
Providing continuing education for piano technicians and fostering the exchange of ideas and skills;
Working cooperatively for the improvement and expansion of the Piano Technicians Guild;
Assisting local PTG chapters.
B. Objective
To support the highest possible standards for piano service and to promote and improve the piano tuning and service industry.
C. Governing Principles
WPRC shall be democratic in its government. Any subject not covered by these Bylaws and Operations Manual shall be handled in accordance with the laws of the State of California, the requirements of Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(6) status, and the parliamentary authority designated by these Bylaws.
The WPRC shall be governed by a Board that has as its members:
A. One representative from each PTG chapter in Region 6 who is a franchised PTG member.
B. Elected officers of the WPRC (see Article VI).
C. The Regional Vice President of PTG Region 6.
(Unchanged except for references to Region 6.)
(Unchanged except for references to Region 6.)
(Unchanged except for references to Region 6.)
(Unchanged except for references to Region 6.)
Section 1: Description
The Annual Conference shall be presented preferably in the month of March. Its main focus shall be presenting a high‑quality technical program for attendees at all levels.
Section 2: Host Chapter
The Host Chapter shall be in PTG Region 6. Chapters requesting to host a conference must submit a request to the Board at least three years prior to the conference date.
Section 3: Site Selection
(Unchanged except for references to Region 6.)
A. Financial records shall be kept according to generally accepted accounting principles.
B. The fiscal year shall be July 1 through June 30.
C. It is encouraged to have an outside CPA audit WPRC finances every two years.
D. The President and Treasurer shall be signers on all financial accounts.
Section E: Region 7 Financial Reallocation Following Governance Realignment
Upon removal of Region 7 from WPRC governance, Region 6 shall allocate funds to Region 7 chapters in proportion to their membership as of the date of adoption of this amendment.
The proportional calculation shall follow the same method used in Article XII (Dissolution), distributing funds based on each Region 7 chapter’s percentage of total Region 7 membership.
Funds distributed under this section shall constitute a one‑time reallocation of Region 7’s historical share of WPRC assets.
After completion of this reallocation, Region 7 shall have no further claim to WPRC assets, revenues, or future proceeds.
The Treasurer shall prepare a full accounting of WPRC assets within 30 days of amendment adoption and shall complete all distributions within 60 days.
The Treasurer shall provide a written report of the completed reallocation to the Board at the next scheduled meeting.
(Unchanged.)
The most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be followed in all cases not specifically covered in these Bylaws, Operations Manual, or other documents of the WPRC.
In the event of dissolution of the WPRC:
All liabilities and obligations shall be paid or satisfied.
Any assets belonging to members or others shall be returned or conveyed if required.
Any remaining non‑cash assets shall be converted to cash.
Remaining cash assets shall be conveyed to the chapters in PTG Region 6 in direct proportion to membership as of the date of dissolution.
Upon adoption of this amendment, all references to “Regions 6 and 7” within the WPRC Operations Manual shall be interpreted to mean “Region 6” until the manual is formally updated by the Executive Committee.
Below is a copy of a report that was compiled for Jim Busby a couple of years ago. I was on a committee to explore the pros & cons of continuing with WestPac vs re-establishing our own region 7 conference.
Westpac Pros & Cons
Already has a bank account and is funded and set up as a non-profit.
Note: We now also have a new bank account and non-profit corporation “Summit Regional Conference Organization” so this is no longer an advantage.
Already has a successful Brand and history of putting on high level events
Doesn’t necessarily need to be a large seminar as it was in the past. Smaller conferences within region 6 and 7 could be supported under the WestPac structure.
Possibility of pooling resources from two regions instead of relying on the resources of only one.
Since WestPac has become non-functioning, nobody in our region has received the James Burton Award in many years.
Lack of current leadership: Board members have extended their 2-year terms
Lack of regional autonomy
Past seminars mostly took place outside of our region.
Less attendance from region 7 meant a loss of experiences and inspiration for the technicians in our regions that could have trickled down to the chapters.
Has a reputation of being a large, complex event like the MARC which can be intimidating for organizers who are not well trained or have a limited time to donate.
Westpac was often much further for our Canadian members. We used to regularly enjoy the fellowship of our Canadian friends, but very few of them attended WestPac.
May compete with the Annual PTG Convention both in terms of registrations but also instructors and vendors.
May not be sustainable: The PNWC went annually for over 40 years until the merger with Westpac, which ran only 5 conferences before contracting out the management of it to Steven Taylor. Since Steve retired, nobody has wanted to take on the responsibility of running WestPac.
A smaller event with 60-80 registrants is less complex and intimidating to organize
There are several other regional conferences that are running smaller conferences that are successful.
More accessible for our Canadian members.
The small regional setting provides a more relaxed environment with increased fellowship, allowing for building regional relationships and one-on-one interactions in hallways and during meals.
The logistics are less challenging, especially if the conference is held biennially instead of annually.
Drivability makes the conference more accessible and affordable for those who wouldn't normally fly to a farther-away event.
Smaller conferences draw more members from within the region, fostering closer networks of professionals.
Regionals have often served as "laboratories for the Annual," where people can develop presentations and practice teaching in a less stressful situation. Teaching at a regional level is much less intimidating than at an Annual convention or large multi region event.
With PTG evolving into a board-managed organization, it's crucial for RVPs to stay in touch with their regional members. An annual regional event can help maintain that connection.
Had a history of host chapters not managing the budget effectively, i.e. the bank account was being depleted. (I’d still like to see where we were at when we merged)
Local host chapters tended to “reinvent the wheel” each year. A chapter might go several years between hosting events which makes it difficult to build up expertise.
PNWC Board (President & Sec/Treasurer) had no real authority over how the local chapters managed their conference.
Treasurer was unable to find a replacement to fill the position.
Not as large a pool to draw volunteers and expertise.
Smaller events may not be as exciting as a larger, more extravagant events thus not drawing as large an attendance (again, I'd like to see if a WestPac event ever had as many attendees as the California and PNWC conferences combined)
Not as much clout when negotiating with hotels.
Divide the Pacific NW Conference into a Northern Conference and Southern Conference. They could alternate every year, but take off every third year for a WestPac. The North/South split would help bring “driving seminars” to more people in region 7.
The SCRC has run successful events mid-week. Avoiding weekends saves money on hotel rates and meeting space, and may also open up the availability of venues that may be more booked on weekends.
People who put tremendous energy into WestPac may feel it was all wasted if the organization is dissolved. We should make sure to preserve all the documents so that if or when a group steps up to revive the event, they will have a more “turn key” structure to adopt.
A new organization needs to have board oversight over the hotel contracts and budgets. Host Chapters will be responsible for local needs, promotion, and on the ground support.
We need to avoid entrenched leadership and be committed to training interns. Term limits may be helpful. Building a new guidebook/ebook that can record our successes and mistakes can help take the intimidation out of volunteering.
For funding we could ask each chapter to give a grant of $25 per member. With 352 members this could generate $8800 for start up funds. This is just an opening bid. If we ask for plenty of funds but chapters negotiate us down we might end up with more support than if we start too low.
Roger Gable mentioned at the Reno Regional Meeting that conferences need to have at least 100 registered members for a regional conference to be viable financially
Bill Shull has run 3 successful SoCal 1.5 day seminars at area hotels with only approximately 40 members.
Other RCO’s (SCRC, MRCO) are running successful conferences with 70-80 registrants
Our original guidebook for PNWC recommended budging for 80 registrants. Another approach would be to budget for 80% of the average number of registrations at the past 3 conferences. This could help naturally adjust for periods of growth and decline.
Washington
Inland 17
Central 7
Seattle 44
Puget 27
Total 95
Oregon
Portland 42
Eugene 18
rogue 3
Total: 63
Utah
Salt Lake 87
Montana 21
Alaska 10
Canada
SW BC 34
Vancouver Is 14
Alberta 28
Total 76
Total Chapter in region 7: 13
Total member in region 7: 352
Total chapters in region 6 = 17
Total members in Region 6 463
\According to the bylaws, if Westpac dissolves, funds are distributed to chapters in both regions in proportion to their membership.
Total Chapters in both regions: 30
Current board members 4
Total number of current board members: 34 x .25 for quorum =
I did a tally and it turns out the Region 6 has 463 members and region 7 has 352. That means region 7 would be entitled to 43 percent of the funds. It would be helpful to know what the current balance of the account is. If it's $20,000 our region would theoretically get $8600 and region 6 would get $11,400