<html> <body> We have a PACE class every month before the regular meeting. Avery At 10:10 AM 2/10/2006, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">I don’t know if I just lucked out and landed in a good, active chapter or not, but as a new associate who is intent on upgrading but I’ve already had good experiences.  Our chapter meetings are held in a centrally located city, so it’s a three hour drive.  The second meeting I attended, five of us carpooled with the PACE coordinator.  On the way down, he asked the two new associates about our plans, why we wanted to join, etc.  We must have given the right answers, indicating seriousness, because on the drive home, he and another member offered to have PACE classes in our area!!!  Now, I wouldn’t have presumed to ask for this, yet, thinking I didn’t know enough to start learning, if you take my meaning.  But we had the first class last Saturday, and it was great!  Talked some history, got into vertical regulation, hands-on training.  I’m already thinking of nice things to do for these guys!!  Hat’s off to you, Gerald and John, if you’re lurking!!   John Delmore   <hr> <div align="center"></div> From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [<a href="mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org" eudora="autourl"> mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org</a>] On Behalf Of Mike Kurta Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006 8:24 AM To: PTG Topics; Pianotech Subject: Upgrading.....       Standing back and taking a long look at the number of associates who have not upgraded, how about a personal approach on a chapter level?  Though there needs to be good incentives to move to RPT status, would a one-on-one, face-to-face conversation with each associate by another chapter member, officer or not, would yeild more results than all the machinations from higher up?  Find out personally if the member has interest in upgrading, and if so, how can the chapter help to move him/her in that direction?  There are some who have no interest and will never be an RPT for whatever reason.  However, they still want to be a part of the organization.  That may always be.  But the associates who plan to become RPT's perhaps can best be served by a dialogue in person, privately, quietly,  from another member,  and that person could also be his/her mentor through the process.   Flame suit on and ready.....     Mike Kurta </blockquote></body> </html>