Meet Meta Riseling | Store Manager/ Shareholder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meta Riseling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meta, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Our town lost it’s grocery store in 2006. In the end of 2006 into the begining of 2007 there was a very large snow storm. Our community decided how important our grocery store was. Then the Community got together and sold shares. We raised enough to get the store opened back up. We are Community owned and Operated, governed by a board of 5 shareholders who serve 3 year terms. As the Store Manager and shareholder, I know how important a grocery store is to any community! I strive to keep our store opened and involved in the community. Proud to say this June we will be celebrating our “Sweet 16” anniversary. Our distributer did not think we would last 6 months, but here we are! It has not been easy to keep going but we have been able to with the support of our community.,

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have a degree in Banking Operations and Dental Assisting. I was also the School Dietary Manager (Head Cook) for 8 years working part time here at our store. I became full time in 2018. I was the Asst Manager/ Bookkeeper for 4 years before becoming the Store Manager. I live here in Walsh and do everything I can to help our Community Strive! Ms Betty Hebberd was the manager until her passing. I still today ask myself “How would Ms Betty handle this…” She was an amazing lady !

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our little town is a laid back community. We would more than likely just relax. Call other members of our community for a big barbeque! We could go to Turk’s Pond to do a little fishing or the sand pits to do a little shooting. The fields are beautiful when crops are growing and to see the Sunflowers fully bloomed in the fall is gorgeous! We would also make sure we hit the school ballgames… Football or Basketball both are exciting! Those of us here in Walsh love it here for the quiet laid back days. We do get together in June for Walsh Days. This year our customer Appreciation is on that day and we will have a “Sweet 16” celebrations including cake, lunch and lots of cool prizes. That same day our Fire Department will be doing their big BBQ and then we will have a movie and street dance to finish out the day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate it to our Community and Shareholders. I would also like to recognize Betty Hebberd. She managed our store for the first 10 years. Her smile and willingness to help our community was amazing. We lost her to cancer in 2016.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalshCommunityGrocery

Other: You are welcome to share Our Story on any media site.

Image Credits
Plainsmen Herald , Denise Jones