The Hays Pumps 7th Annual Western Expo, held in Redding, Calif., April 20-21, was a smashing success. With more than 280 attendees and approximately 20 vendors, this year's event proved to be the best yet. Attendees from several states across the United States and a good amount of foreign visitors cascaded down upon the Hays headquarters.

On the first day, customer appreciation events started early in the morning with a fishing trip, the annual golf tournament and a Shasta Dam tour. With groups being lead by Hays team members, as well as participating vendors, everyone seemed to have a great time. Later in the evening, the Gold Medal Dealers were honored with an awards ceremony and specially catered dinner by chef Paul Trout of the California Culinary Olympic Team.

The education day garnered a huge response, with class subjects ranging from variable speed drives, pump troubleshooting, horizontal drilling and sales skills. Everyone had something to gain from the wealth of knowledge placed before them. The surprise hit was the advanced pump school featuring Ray Newmeyer from Trinidad State College. With standing room only, this class was one of the best-attended classes in the history of Hays Pumps. The day closed with the final round of "Who Wants to Be Extraordinaire?" With a new computer system up for grabs, the rounds were fast and furious. With only two people left standing, the final winner ended up being Gail Enloe of L. Enloe Drilling, McCloud, Calif.

This exposition definitely is an event to mark on your calendar as something well worth attending next year. Between the customer appreciation events and the education opportunities available, you cannot go wrong.