VISTA Today Daily News Business Briefs are concise stories that bring you up to date with what’s going on around Chester County. This morning:

Rally in Chester County Calls for Cannabis Reform

The cannabis issue is now rearing its ugly head, as the corner of High and Market Streets in West Chester saw an activist rally take place to advocate for cannabis reform.

One of the rally’s organizers, and the executive director of the Keystone Cannabis Coalition Les Stark remarked, “We want a legal regulated market, we think it is wrong to continue to arrest and imprison for marijuana offences.”

Stark went on to explain that the underground market for marijuana is valued at $2.5 billion, and with its decriminalization, the Pennsylvania State Treasury could see a “potential $400-$500 million a year turnaround.” Dozens of companies including multi-nationals are waiting on a change in the law, but for now, are held back from marketing their products.

One of the speakers at the rally was Marine Corps veteran Mike Whiter who served in Kosovo and Iraq, and who advocates marijuana reform to help suffering veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Stacey L. Fuller Appointed to Lead Key Chester Organizations

Two regional organizations have named Gawthrop Greenwood attorney, Stacey L. Fuller to lead them forward.

Fuller was recently elected Chair of the Municipal Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and has also joined the Board of Directors of Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, where she will help guide the organization in its mission to provide quality legal representation to low-income and vulnerable people in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery County.

Fuller, who has been a Gawthrop Greenwood partner since 2004, concentrates her practice in municipal and land use law, as well as education and special education law.

Her additional community involvement includes serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry, as well as the Board of Directors of the Chester County Bar Association.

Michelle Achenbach Named Director of Human Resources and Performance Management

The Chester County Commissioners have appointed Michelle Achenbach, PHR, as Director of Human Resources and Performance Management for the County.

With over 20 years of Human Resource experience, Achenbach is replacing Dr. Karen Florentine who is retiring after ten years of successful leadership.

Achenbach has a degree in HR Management from Rosemont College and joins Chester County from Berwyn-based Ametek, where she was Director of Human Resources for the company’s Chemical Products Division.

Commissioner Michelle Kichline said of the appointment, “Michelle Achenbach brings a strong background of knowledge and experience to the County HR leadership role.  Karen Florentine’s flexibility, and her agreement to provide a smooth transition for Michelle as she takes on the role of HR Director, will ensure a continuity of service to all of Chester County’s 2500-plus full and part time employees.”