Terry Duperon, founder of Duperon Corp. in Saginaw, an international manufacturer of wastewater treatment solutions, was awarded the 2023 Robert H. Albert Lifetime Community Service Award at the annual Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce Awards ceremony.
The accolade recognizes individuals who have exhibited a lifetime of service to both the
community and their profession.
“Mr. Terry Duperon is a living example of positivity, perseverance, and resilience,” says Donald Steele, one of several individuals to nominate Terry for the award. “Terry embodies what this award recognizes, in that his lifetime has been filled with efforts to improve the personal and professional lives of those around him.”
Duperon has been a part of the Saginaw business community as an inventor, entrepreneur,
philanthropist, and mentor for more than six decades. Inspired by childhood heroes like Eli
Whitney and Thomas Edison, his first invention was made in his garage in the 1970s, which led to the formal establishment of Duperon Corp. in 1985.
The company has grown steadily over the course of its history, currently employing more than 70 individuals, and is known in the water and wastewater industry for its ability to develop simple solutions for complex treatment issues.
He has started programs such as Duperon Education, a 20-year old program inspiring students to pursue their dreams and live fulfilling lives without regret; Dare to Dream, an annual event for teenage students in Saginaw county with entrepreneurial aspirations; One DEGREE Club, a networking group for individuals seeking support as they pursue their personal and professional dreams; and TLD Holding, an organization that supports local businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them grow while creating jobs for people in the area.
A prominent voice on dyslexia and how to overcome its challenges, Duperon also serves on the board of Children’s Choice Initiative, an organization focused on improving the curriculum and literacy rates for all types of learners.
He also works with Priscilla Dseagu, a special needs educator who is transforming education for children with disabilities in Ghana. Together, they opened the Duperon Learning Center for Children with Special Needs to provide educational opportunities tailored to each child’s needs.
In each of these endeavors, Terry hopes to empower young children to pursue their dreams
and instill in them the belief that anything is possible.
