2026 Community Awards Spotlight – Business Champion Kris Riendeau

The Business Champion Award celebrates individuals who go the extra mile – inspirational leaders in our local business community who demonstrate resilience, creativity and lead past survival to prosperity. These individuals have made a lasting impact beyond their own business needs, contributing to the promotion and success of the greater Mississippi Mills business community.

Since 1998, Kris Riendeau — along with her husband Rob — has operated theHumm, an arts and entertainment publication that has become a cultural lifeline for the Ottawa Valley. More than a business, theHumm functions as a regional arts hub, connecting creators, venues, audiences, and communities. Its success is rooted in Kris’s energy, creativity, and deeply community‑minded approach.

Kris has built strong relationships with local businesses and artists, fostering a network that strengthens the entire arts ecosystem. Her commitment extends well beyond publishing. She also operates the Tickets Please platform, ensuring performers have audiences to play to and that arts events across the region remain accessible and well supported. Generous with her time, expertise, and encouragement, Kris is a driving force behind the vibrancy of our cultural scene.

But Kris’s impact reaches far beyond the arts. TheHumm plays a significant role in local economic development. For nearly three decades, it has served as a vital connector between small businesses, artists, event organizers, and residents. By promoting local events, showcasing entrepreneurs, and highlighting new ventures, theHumm drives foot traffic, boosts visibility, and helps sustain the very businesses that give our region its character.

In many ways, theHumm is an economic engine disguised as an arts publication. It encourages people to explore, attend, shop, and invest in their own backyard — strengthening the local economy while nurturing a sense of shared identity.

Here is what Kris’ nominators had to say about her:

“Kris Riendeau is an exemplary community builder and enthusiastic supporter of arts and culture in Mississippi Mills…As co-editor of theHumm arts newspaper, she promotes arts and culture in our area like no other. If I ever have a question or want to try out a new idea – Kris Riendeau is the person I go to for counsel and creativity.”

“Over the decades, Kris has helped theHumm expand and adapt to an increasingly online world while maintaining the quality of the much-loved print edition. With so many small papers across Canada facing declining readership and, as small printers continue to close, Kris’ leadership, hard work, innovation and problem-solving have kept theHumm humming.”

Well done, Kris!