On May 5 we hosted 100 engineers, operators, manufacturer partners, contractors, and distribution partners at Cimco-GC Systems for our annual “Cimco de Mayo” site visit and open house.
The goal was simple: strengthen relationships with our partners across the water and irrigation industries by sharing a behind-the-scenes look at our operations and catching up face-to-face over a meal.
Here are our Top 10 Highlights from the day:
1. Seeing So Many Parts of the Industry Together
Engineers, operators, manufacturer partners, and distributors all spent the day learning, asking questions, and connecting with one another. Several guests even brought newer team members along for exposure to the rest of the industry. That variety of people and perspectives made for great conversations throughout the day.
2. Hands-On Tour Stations Across the Campus
Guests rotated through interactive stations that showcased some of the core ways we support water and irrigation professionals across the Pacific Northwest. Rather than simply talking about what we do, we wanted people to see and experience it firsthand.
3. The “Flow Lab”
Training is a major part of how we serve this industry, and it was exciting to showcase that hands-on learning with a live demonstration at our portable flow lab training station. Patrick Miller demonstrated the steps of a typical valve startup and guests were able to ask questions and watch pressure changes in real time.
4. Service Truck Walkaround
Micah Swet gave guests an inside look at the equipment, tools, parts, and retrofit materials our Factory-Authorized Cla-Val Technicians bring to every work site. A look at some worn-out valve components helped tell the story behind valve maintenance and why proactive service matters for the long-term health of water systems. For some attendees, this was their first time seeing the field service side of our work up close.
5. Local Valve Inventory
Guests got a look at what goes into building Cla-Vals to spec right in our shop, including our inventory of valve bodies up to 8”, pilots, rebuild kits, and specialty parts. Ray Velasquez also walked guests through several of the Val-Matic specialty valves and Safe-T-Cover enclosures we stock locally. Having that inventory on hand allows us to support utilities and distributors with quick turnaround times when waiting on standard production simply isn’t an option.
6. Exploring the Cimco-DSW Warehouse Operation
Guests got some steps in at this station as Erin Bujnowski led groups through our warehouse and inventory spaces. Along the way, attendees saw how orders are processed, staged, and delivered to support customers across the Pacific Northwest. Several guests commented afterward that they had no idea how much operational coordination happens behind the scenes.
7. Hands-On Irrigation Station
Erin Griffin kicked off this station with a walkthrough of the water feature installation near the front of our property, including the pumps, equipment, and products behind the display. From there, the station opened up into a hands-on, open-house style experience where guests explored hoses, nozzles, lighting displays, and pumps while music played through a Sound by Vista audio system in the background. It was a fun look at some of the practical products that help irrigation and landscape pros succeed in the field.
8. Manufacturer Partners Showing Up in a Big Way
The presence of our Manufacturer Partners made the event especially meaningful. Many traveled long distances to spend time with customers, participate in tour stations, and support conversations throughout the day. Others helped sponsor key parts of the event—from the mariachi band and lunch to coffee, donuts, and event tents. We’re incredibly grateful for partners who continue investing in the Pacific Northwest alongside us.
9. The Team Effort Behind the Scenes
Events like this only happen because of a full team effort. From parking coordination and registration to guiding tour groups, preparing demonstrations, setting up decorations, and serving food—every single team member contributed. One of the things we heard repeatedly from guests was how welcoming, organized, and engaged the entire team felt throughout the event. That meant a lot to us.
10. Tacos + Mariachi = Celebration
At noon, as the tour stations were winding down, guests could hear trumpets warming up and smell lunch being prepared outside. The live mariachi band brought festive vibes to the afternoon and turned lunch into a celebration. Nothing better than sharing a Mexican feast and great conversation with all our guests.
Bonus: Hearing Relationships Were Strengthened
The biggest takeaway from the day was hearing how valuable the event felt to people. Several shared that the best part was simply getting face-to-face time with people across the industry.
One attendee summed it up especially well:
“The best part — networking with your team and other attendees. I met some new people, connected with other engineers, and left even more impressed with all things Cimco-GC.”
Thank You!
To everyone who attended, participated, sponsored, demonstrated, asked questions, served food, gave tours, played music, or helped behind the scenes—thank you!
We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve the water and irrigation professionals who help communities across the Pacific Northwest thrive.