The Timmins Chamber of Commerce marked International Women’s Day with a sold-out ‘Women in Business’ luncheon, featuring insights from local success story Kathryn Chayka.
Kathryn Chayka’s Rise in Restaurant Leadership
Kathryn Chayka, a Timmins native recognized last year as one of Canada’s most powerful women in business, heads JKC Restaurants. The company operates more than 75 locations across Canada and internationally.
Chamber president Melanie Dufresne highlighted Chayka’s roots in Timmins and her entrepreneurial upbringing. Dufresne emphasized the need for calculated risks and investing in employees to drive success.
Strategies for Business Turnarounds
Chayka attributes success to consistent effort and strong presence. She shared a key example: revitalizing struggling Wendy’s outlets in Quebec. Her approach focused on removing obstacles for frontline staff to enhance customer experiences, ultimately boosting business performance.
Embracing Challenges
Despite her achievements, Chayka stressed ongoing hurdles. “You don’t just move up and keep going up, you know, there’s downs,” she said. “If there weren’t downs, the ups wouldn’t be as exciting, and so I think that’s a really important message for women.”
She advised women to pursue passions—“something that feels good”—and follow their potential.
Support for Local Women Entrepreneurs
Janna Burk, a business advisor with Link North through the Timmins Economic Development Corporation, encouraged women to seek help. “We actually fund certain business sectors like manufacturing and industrial,” Burk said. “Anyone looking to pursue innovative projects in agri-foods or agri-tourism can receive funding and support to commercialize, scale operations, or develop new products and technologies.”
The event drew numerous women in leadership roles from across the city.
