Scrap Company Earns California Small Biz Honor

Modesto Junk Co. Inc. of Modesto, Calif., has been selected to receive the 2008 California Small Business Award. The company will be honored by State Assemblyman Tom Berryhill of Assembly District 25 at the 2008 California Small Business Day in Sacramento on May 28, according to a company news release.

Modesto Junk Co. is a full-service scrap yard and recycling center located in downtown Modesto. The company processes more than 60 million pounds of metals and recyclables each year on its two-acre site. Its scrap products are shipped to domestic and international consumers.

The 88-year-old company was founded in 1920 by Alex Highiet, a Russian immigrant, who came to Modesto from Stockton to marry his wife, Nettie Zeff. Four generations later, the business is still run by the Highiet family at its original location. Current family members involved in the business include:

• President Harvey Highiet, son of founder Alex

• Operations Manager Jeff Highiet, grandson of Alex

• Administrative Assistant Keith Highiet, great-grandson of Alex

• Office Assistant and Cashier Alexis Highiet, great-granddaughter of Alex.

The company bill itself as a local and regional leader in environmental efforts, as a supporter of a number of community service organizations and as a key partner and resource for local law enforcement, working to combat metal theft crimes.

The California Small Business Award and California Small Business Day is sponsored annually by 31 small business organizations and chambers throughout the State of California. The annual award was created when the California Assembly passed a resolution in 2000 to honor small businesses.