The Abilities Centre, an incubator for accessibility and inclusion, announced Tuesday March 25, 2025 that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Cvitkovic, has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Whitby Chamber of Commerce.
The results of the election were announced during the Annual General Meeting of the Chamber, which took place at The Town of Whitby, Town Hall. Both Directors and Officers were sworn in by Mayor Elizabeth Roy.
“I am honoured to join the Whitby Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and continue the important work to raise the profile of businesses within our community,” shares Cvitkovic, who has called Whitby home for the past 12 years. “The Town of Whitby has an extraordinary roster of businesses that demonstrate innovation, quality and service every day. During these challenging times, it is more important than ever that we focus on providing the resources our local economy needs to succeed.”
Since joining Abilities Centre in March 2024, the organization has seen a renewed sense of energy, resulting in double-digit increases in revenue, visitors and membership – all economic drivers needed to deliver its mission of creating a barrier-free life for all Canadians.
By opening its doors to Whitby businesses, Abilities Centre is utilizing its expertise, programs, and services to educate organizations on how to become more inclusive and accessible. With more than 27% of Ontario residents identifying as having some form of a disability, Abilities Centre is not only collaborating with local companies to improve its accessibility but also increasing its earning potential. With 2025 being the year businesses should have the standards of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in place, Abilities Centre will play a major role in helping corporations, non-profit organizations, and community groups ensure compliance with the Act.
Cvitkovic will bring his 27 years of corporate experience in governance, tourism, marketing, strategic planning, and government relations to the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, assisting the organization that is celebrating its 97th year of existence serving the local business community.
Abilities Centre continues to be an active member of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce and applauds the Chamber’s efforts in IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility).
About Abilities Centre:
Abilities Centre is a state-of-the-art facility in Whitby, Ontario, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Through innovative programs in health and fitness, arts and culture, and life skills development, the Centre fosters inclusivity and empowers individuals to achieve their full potential. Our mission is to reimagine accessibility and redefine the way Canadians live, work, and play. For more information about the Abilities Centre and its programs, please visit www.abilitiescentre.org.
Media Contact:
Chelsea Wolf
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Abilities Centre
cwolf@abilitiescentre.org