A Message from Brad Mills, H.A.V.E. Café Board Chair
The concept of H.A.V.E. started over three years ago when myself and a group of concerned business people came together in an attempt to create an innovative, effective, and sustainable program that could continue the mission and good work that was done by the former Cooks Studio. Our goal was to take an entrepreneurial approach to tackle poverty and unemployment in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community. Today the H.A.V.E. program is not only going strong, but is expanding business operations and their capacity to help those who experience barriers to employment in the DTES.
As a business owner in the community I believe that the private sector has an important role to play in addressing the social interests and sustainable development goals of the communities they operate in. By developing partnerships and effective Corporate Social Responsibility agendas businesses not only become aware of the issues facing their communities, but they also stand to gain from the mutual benefits that arise when they become active partners in community development initiatives. I am very proud to be a part of the H.A.V.E. team and look forward to our exciting year ahead.
Board of Directors
Brad Mills | C.E.O., Mills Basics
Ian Tostenson | President, British Columbia Restaurant and Food Service Association
A dynamic, passionate and forward thinking CEO & President of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, Ian Tostenson combines energy and integrity with proven achievement in all areas of business.
Using strategic leadership, Ian advocates and engages groups and people towards success. As part of the Climate Action Team, Ian has accepted a challenge from the Premier to devise plans to deliver on the government’s commitment of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Aligning with Ian’s personal values, the Team is leading the focus to find new ways to provide a sustainable environmental legacy for future generations. Also currently a part of the Permanent Small Business Roundtable since 2005, Ian has taken part in working through the issues and challenges that face small business owners of BC.
Ian has used this role combined with his intense commitment to the environment to bring Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” presentation on September 29th 2007 to over 1500 people at the Westin Bayshore.
Ian was previously chairman for the BC Wine Institute from 1995 – 2000 as well as President and CEO of Cascadia Brands (Calona Vineyards, Granville Island Brewing, Grady Wine Marketing and Burrowing Owl Winery) for over 21 years. Ian was Director for Canadian Wine Institute and Brewers Association of Canada and has a wide depth of knowledge and extreme passion that radiates to those around him. Other leadership roles have included President and CEO of 1 Four Management Ltd. and VP of Sales and Marketing and Director of Sales for Calona Wines Limited where he pioneered innovative strategies to position the organization as a market leader. Also a finalist for Business in Vancouver Entrepeneur of the Year Awards and Winner of the Business in Vancouver under 40 Entrepeneur of the Year Award, Ian uses a love for innovative thinking and technology to lead the way in business.
Ian is also currently Past President of the David Foster Foundation where he continues to create a lasting legacy for the benefit of families with children requiring life threatening organ transplants. He speaks to this cause regularly, as well as to the Have Hope Action Values and Ethics where Ian worked with partners to open a culinary training centre directed to Downtown East Side Residents. Above all else, Ian is a coach and mentor to not only those he touches in the business and non profit world, but to his two sons with whom he lives with in North Vancouver with his wife Cathy.
Amber Anderson, CCC | H.A.V.E. Café Executive Director
Len J Nakonechny | H.A.V.E, Director of Development and Recruiting
H.A.V.E Culinary Training Society proudly embraces the extensive hospitality management background of industry vetted Len Nakonechny. With his enterprising passion in hand Len joins our team as our Director of Development and Recruiting.
With a proven track record that includes over two decades of industry experience both locally and overseas in prestigious properties in the Grand Cayman Islands, Nakonechny has demonstrated exceptional leadership and skills that have earned him high praise from critics and customers alike.
Food and hospitality establishments today depend heavily on location, menu and patronage but, industry professionals recognize the utmost importance of professional chemistry and the subsequent teamwork of a knowledgeable managing team. To which H.A.V.E Culinary Training Society welcomes Nakonechny to the family.
Len comes to H.A.V.E Culinary Training Society from the prestigious C Restaurant as the Director of Operations, prior to that a Food and Beverage Instructor for Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts as well as a lauded stint at the prestigious Vancouver Club as Contract Manager for the Olympics. H.A.V.E. is proud to be privy to his hands-on, individualized approach as leadership by example is the key to ensuring our graduates’ future successes.
Hendrik Hoekema | Executive Director, Vancouver Eastside Education Enrichment Society
Janice Walsh | Chartered Accountant
