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Turlock company wins small business award
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Wilkey Sheet Metal, a long-time Turlock business, won the 12th Senate District Small Business of the Year award. Pictured here, an employee welds together metal parts. - photo by ANDREA GOODWIN / The Journal
Jack Wilkey doesn’t like to talk about his own achievements. When asked about his community involvement he can rattle off an impressive list — with a little help from the memory of his wife, Pat — of organizations that he has contributed to or been involved in over the years. But when he describes those organizations he talks about the good that they do, and not the good that he has done for them.
But now, those deeds are in the spotlight.
Wilkey Sheet Metal was recognized by Senator Jeff Denham as the 12th Senate District Small Business of the Year and Jack and Pat Wilkey, owners of the company, were recognized for their years of volunteer service to the Turlock community.
The Wilkeys were honored at the California Small Business Day luncheon in Sacramento on May 26. Later that day they were brought to the senate floor where Senator Jeff Denham presented them with a resolution. The document, which is now hanging in the Wilkey Sheet Metal front office, outlined the Wilkey’s numerous contributions to community organizations, including those that help education, agriculture, and small business.
“Wilkey Sheet Metal’s unrelenting commitment to the City of Turlock and Stanislaus County, and generous support and community involvement, make this company the perfect choice for the 12th District Small Business of the Year award,” Denham said in a recent press release.
The Wilkeys opened their business in 1993, and it has grown to employ 45 people. The company fabricates and installs sheet metal structures for industrial and agricultural businesses. What sets them apart from other local businesses was their community involvement as a company.
The Wilkeys contribute to programs including Turlock High School baseball, Pitman High School FFA, Teen challenge drug rehab and second chance program, and numerous other agricultural and educational programs.
Jack Wilkey has been working in the sheet metal trade since 1958.  He was a vocational education teacher at Modesto Junior College and Turlock High School for five years. He is currently board president of the Turlock Rural Fire District, where he has volunteered for 31 years. Wilkey is also a member of Turlock Noon Rotary club, and a 4-H leader, among many other volunteer positions.
Pat Wilkey has worked in both Turlock Unified School District and Denair Unified School District as a clerical and administrative assistant. She has served as a board member of the Salvation Army and Treasurer of California Women for Agriculture. Both Pat and Jack Wilkey were charter members of the Cornerstone Covenant Church.  
The Wilkeys said that they were suprised to be chosen as the 12th Senate District Small Business of the Year.
“I honestly don’t know how we got involved in winning the award,” Jack Wilkey said.
California Small Business Day celebrates the contribution small business provides through creation of jobs and growth for the California economy.
To contact Andrea Goodwin, e-mail agoodwin@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2003