In last month's newsletter we bid farewell to long-term Kelowna store Manager Wanda Lock. This month we are happy to welcome a new Manager to the role, Aaron Metz. We hope you will take the opportunity to introduce yourself to him the next time you are visiting the store as he is certainly looking forward to getting to know Kelownatarget='s customers. In fact, we know that Aaron is hoping to attend a lot of openings and art events in the future, so he can learn even more about what you do. He also gets a particular sense of satisfaction from interacting with customers in the store, as this gives him that special community-type feeling. After all, he is a born and bred Kelowna resident and is appreciative of where he lives and who he shares that with. There's no better place to make that a reality than while swapping ideas about art in the paint aisle at Opus!

We would also like to share some background about Aaron. He originally joined Opus in 1997 and is a graduate of OUC's Fine Arts program. Aaron took a short leave from Opus in 2000 to pursue other interests and then returned to the store as a full-time staff member just a few months ago. When the opportunity for more responsibility became available with Wanda's departure, Aaron happily threw his hat in the ring and it soon became apparent that he was the right person for the role. He has a wealth of knowledge and passion for both art supplies and the retail profession. He is also an active person in the local arts community in addition to his own artistic practice in acrylics, drawing and photographic media. His own work takes a lot of inspiration from the Okanagan landscape, and he actively exhibits and sells his work locally. Not only that, but he has some great ideas for where he wants the Kelowna store to go. This is complimented by a really great team of staff to work with, and a keen sense of adventure—both of which are necessary when you are managing a busy retail store.

With all of this to offer, we know that Aaron will do a great job and we are all doing our best here at Opus to help him make the transition to his new role. It is definitely a pleasure to welcome someone who has an investment in their community and a desire to learn and grow with the store and its customers.