"Wastewater is my life." Those who know Steve Aiken, Regional Sales Manager for Duperon Corporation, have likely heard him make this claim. Aiken was recognized for more than 45 years of experience in the water and wastewater field with the Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization's 92nd Annual Conference in Boyne, Michigan.
"In 1969, I returned home from Vietnam. I'd been living without sanitary systems or clean water for a year, and during that time I learned the value of water. In 1971, I found a job at a wastewater plant – I found my calling by accident," said Aiken. His experience grew to include treatment plant operations, management, engineering, and finally sales. "It's been an incredible journey that I never want to end."
Since joining the MWEA in 1978, Aiken has served as Chairman of several of the Association's committees, including the Research Committee, Education Committee, and Process Committee, which he formed. He served as President of the MWEA in 1990, and has been honored with several other awards for his dedication and service, including: MWEA Honorary Membership Award; MWEA Quarter Century Operator Award; MWEA Shephard Award; MWEA Excellence in Service Award; and the MWEA Arthur Sidney Bedell Award.
Duperon is the leader in innovative preliminary liquids/solids separation systems. For more than 30 years, Duperon has provided simple solutions for coarse screening, fine screening, low flow screening, perforated screening, washing compacting, and conveying. Duperon technologies are designed and manufactured in Saginaw, Michigan.