LAYTON — Layton Mayor Jerry Stevenson finds it an honor and privilege to be appointed Envision Utah’s new chairman. Stevenson’s appointment was formally announced at the Coalition for Utah’s Future Common Good Awards Luncheon on Friday. The coalition is Envision Utah’s sponsor. Stevenson said he first heard about Envision Utah when the organization came to Layton City asking for a donation. At that time he was skeptical. “I was a smart aleck,” he said. “Then I was a convert.” That was about a decade ago and since he’s been impressed with “the brilliant way the organization was put together. It’s very unique, not just to Utah, but the entire country.”

Stevenson takes his place among many of the state’s most prominent citizens who have served as the organization’s chair, the most recent being Bruce Christensen, president of KSL television and radio. Others have included Gov. Jon Huntsman and Davis County’s own Sen. Greg Bell.

Stevenson said he’s impressed that Envision Utah has managed to bring diverse parties together. “They’ve brought together people from the far right and far left to work together,” he said.

Stevenson will begin his voluntary service immediately.  

In assuming his new duties, Stevenson praised Envision Utah for its nonpartisan, grassroots approach to preserve Utah’s high quality of life. “As a mayor, I became well aware of the challenges of growth.  Envision Utah provided me with innovative tools to involve my citizens and meet those challenges.”

A lifelong citizen of Layton City, Stevenson pursued a career in agricultural economics at Utah State University. In 1969, he and his father started a family business, J&J Produce, selling the family’s crops in a roadside fruit stand and delivering produce to the marketing warehouses. What was once considered a small retail business has turned into the state’s largest nursery, J&J Nursery and Garden Center.  From there, another business evolved called Great Basin Turf Products, which began in 1989.  Stevenson oversees all of the day-to-day operations of this fast growing business.

 Stevenson served on the Layton City Planning Com-mission for six years, the Layton City Council for eight years, and as Mayor of Layton City from 1993 to 2005.  He is not seeking reelection.

 In addition to balancing his mayoral and employment responsibilities, Stevenson has served the community in other capacities: Davis Coun-cil of Governments, chairman of the Wasatch Energy Sys-tem; Defense Alliance Com-mittee for Hill Air Force Base; Davis County Business De-velopment Committee; Davis Chamber of Commerce; board of directors of Barnes Bank; past director of the Utah Nursery Association; Utah League of Cities and Towns Legislative Steering Committee; chairman of the Weber/Davis “Build It Now” Committee; Utah Quality Growth Commission; U of U Hospital Foundation board of trustees; and Weber State University board of trustees.

 In 1995, the Layton Area Chamber of Commerce presented Stevenson the “Utah Total Citizen” Award.  In 1999, Central Davis Jr. High honored him as an “Out-standing Alumni” of the school.

 Alan Matheson, executive director of Envision Utah, said, “Mayor Stevenson has excelled in both the public and private sectors and will enhance Envision Utah’s ability to bring together community leaders from both sectors.  We’ll greatly benefit by having someone of Mayor Steven-son’s caliber at the helm.” 

At the luncheon, the coalition honored Stampin’ Up! and Volunteers of America, Utah for their service to the community.  Brigham Young University President Cecil O. Samuelson provided the keynote address.

 Since 1997, Envision Utah has worked with communities to plan effectively for future growth through collaboration, information-sharing, education and innovative strategies.

The Coalition for Utah’s Future established Envision Utah as a key project to keep Utah beautiful, prosperous and neighborly for future generations.

mwilliams@davisclipper.com