Proposal from Roger Gable
It has been several years since the Western and Pacific Regional Conference PTG (WPRC) has coalesced an active board. Past conferences have been chiefly organized by the 3 Board Members; President, Secretary, and Treasurer. This structure I believe, has led to leadership burnout because of the scale and frequency (once a year) of our conferences laid out by our current bylaws.
After reading the Western & Pacific Regional Conference PTG (WPRC) by-laws, I find no directive requiring the board members (president, secretary or treasurer) to act as conference organizers or institute directors. This leaves an opening for WPRC to act as an underwriting organization for any chapter(s) or other regional 6 or 7 entities to independently organize a small or large technical congregate. Considering the difficulty filling WPRC board positions, I am proposing bylaw changes (see link below) that would reflect a new vision of WPRC. I am proposing WPRC alter its mission to that of an underwriting organization. Under this new proposal, WPRC would not necessarily be the lead organizer of a conference, seminar or similar small technical meeting. The genesis of any technical meeting would be assumed at a chapter(s) level. A chapter(s) desire to organize a technical seminar under the umbrella of WPRC would submit a financial proposal to WPRC for underwriting. Upon approval by the board, WPRC would provide the seed money, an active bank account, and the 501(C) (6) status for a conference organization in return for a certain underwriting fee. If you believe this new direction has merit let me know by replying to the link below. I will submit these bylaw proposals at our July meeting in Virginia for discussion.
Roger Gable, Westpac Treasurer
Form:
https://www.westpac-ptg.org/2026/bylaws/?code=m6Nw8Kp
Bylaws Current:
https://www.westpac-ptg.org/2026/bylaws/download.php?code=m6Nw8Kp&doc=bylaws-current
Bylaws Proposal:
https://www.westpac-ptg.org/2026/bylaws/download.php?code=m6Nw8Kp&doc=bylaws-proposal
A. Name The name of this organization shall be the Western and Pacific Regional Conference, PTG (WPRC), a non‑profit 501(c)(6) organization under the laws of the State of California.
B. Authority 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.
The primary purpose of the WPRC is to increase the effectiveness of PTG in Regions 6 and 7 by promoting and underwriting conferences that:
Provide continuing education for piano technicians
Foster the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and skills
Work cooperatively for the improvement and expansion of PTG
Assist local PTG chapters
To support the highest possible standards for piano service and to promote and improve the piano tuning and service industry.
WPRC shall be democratic in its government. Any subject not covered by these Bylaws or the Operations Manual shall be handled in accordance with:
The laws of the State of California
Requirements of IRS 501(c)(6) nonprofit status
The parliamentary authority designated by these Bylaws
The WPRC shall be governed by a Board composed of:
A. One representative from each PTG chapter in Regions 6 and 7 (must be a franchised PTG member).
Members of the Executive Committee may not serve as chapter representatives.
B. Elected officers of the WPRC (see Article VI).
C. Regional Vice Presidents of PTG Regions 6 and 7.
A. The WPRC Board will meet once yearly at the regional conference.
B. The President may call a special session.
Notice must be sent to all Board members at least 15 days prior.
An agenda must be included.
C. Meetings may be conducted by conference call, email, or other approved means.
A. A quorum is 25% of the voting members of the Board. B. Each chapter representative has one vote. C. The President, Secretary, Treasurer, Information Manager, and Regional VPs (Regions 6 & 7) each have one vote. D. Votes may be conducted by mail, email, or other means deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee consists of the President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Qualifications:
Franchised PTG member
Member of a chapter in Regions 6 or 7
Term:
Two years
Elections held at the annual meeting in odd‑numbered years
Duties:
Serves as the executive of the WPRC
Qualifications:
Franchised PTG member
Member of a chapter in Regions 6 or 7
Term:
Two years
Elections held at the annual meeting in even‑numbered years
Duties:
Authorizes conference locations and management approval
Qualifications:
Franchised PTG member
Member of a chapter in Regions 6 or 7
Term:
Two years
Elections held at the annual meeting in even‑numbered years
Duties:
Takes minutes
Maintains records
Updates and publishes Bylaws and Operations Manual
Qualifications:
Franchised PTG member
Member of a chapter in Regions 6 or 7
Term:
Two years
Elections held at the annual meeting in odd‑numbered years
Duties:
Maintains financial records
Pays expenses and receives income
May open financial accounts on behalf of WPRC
Accounts must have two signers: Treasurer and President (only one signature required for transactions)
A. Officers elected at the Annual Conference meeting B. Any member of Regions 6 or 7 may nominate C. Nominations may be made from the floor D. Elections by ballot unless only one nominee E. Officers assume office at the end of the conference F. Treasurer works with outgoing Treasurer until records are complete G. Vacancies filled by Presidential appointment until next election H. Vacancy in Presidency filled by special election within 60 days I. Officers may be removed by 2/3 vote of the Board
Conferences shall present high‑quality technical programs for attendees at all levels.
A. Must be in Regions 6 or 7 B. Does not need to be located near the conference site C. Must submit a request to host D. Must use satisfactory facilities E. Board has full discretion in selecting host chapter(s)
A. Based on:
Quality of hotels and other factors in Conference Manual
Input from host chapter B. Approved by Board vote
Financial gain or loss shall be apportioned between host chapter and WPRC.
A. Records kept according to GAAP B. Fiscal year: July 1 – June 30 C. Outside CPA audit encouraged every two years D. President and Treasurer are signers on accounts (others may be added by Board vote)
A. Proposed amendments must be submitted 21 days before meeting B. Secretary must send proposals to Board 15 days before meeting C. Amendments require 2/3 vote D. If notice requirements are not met:
2/3 vote required to consider
3/4 vote required to adopt
Contains guidance, not regulations
Maintained and amended by Executive Committee
May be amended by majority vote at any Board meeting
The most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern all cases not covered by these Bylaws or the Operations Manual.
Upon dissolution:
A. All liabilities must be paid or provided for B. Assets belonging to members or others must be returned C. Non‑cash assets must be converted to cash D. Remaining cash assets shall be distributed to chapters in Regions 6 and 7 in proportion to membership at the time of dissolution