Nazilli Chamber of Commerce Holds 2026 Member Meeting in Sultanhisar

The Nazilli Chamber of Commerce (NTO) held its 2026 Member Meeting in Sultanhisar, bringing together public officials and Chamber members to discuss regional development, ongoing projects, and the priorities of the business community.

The meeting was attended by Sultanhisar District Governor Ali Ekber Ateş, Deputy Mayor Okan Yalçınkaya, District Police Chief Mehmet Solak, District Gendarmerie Commander Bekir Göçmen, and members of the Nazilli Chamber of Commerce.

Representing the Chamber were Chairman of the Board Nuri Arslan and Vice Chairman of the Assembly M. Naci Maden.

During the meeting, participants watched a presentation highlighting the Chamber’s achievements since 2013, including major projects, ongoing initiatives, member services, and advocacy activities undertaken to address the needs and expectations of its members.

The Chamber emphasized that it operates as a member-oriented institution, carrying out not only its statutory responsibilities but also a wide range of economic and social initiatives shaped directly by the demands and expectations of its members.

District Governor Ali Ekber Ateş: “The Nazilli Chamber of Commerce Is a Successful Professional Organization”

Addressing the meeting, District Governor Ali Ekber Ateş praised the Chamber’s work, stating:

“I consider the activities carried out by the Nazilli Chamber of Commerce on behalf of its members to be exemplary. In this respect, I believe the Chamber’s members are fortunate. The Chamber has a management team that is knowledgeable, solution-oriented, and committed to addressing every challenge faced by its members.

As a professional organization, the Chamber works tirelessly to promote regional economic development and resolve the problems encountered by the business community. I believe meetings such as this serve as an important platform for strengthening professional cooperation and supporting economic growth.

I congratulate Chairman Nuri Arslan and the entire Chamber leadership for their successful efforts.”

Nuri Arslan: “We Work with the Philosophy of Strengthening the Institution Rather Than Drawing Strength from It”

In his address, NTO Chairman Nuri Arslan emphasized the Chamber’s commitment to serving its members.

“We continue to work tirelessly to resolve the problems and meet the expectations of our members. Thanks to our persistent efforts since 2013, we have brought numerous issues affecting our members to the attention of the relevant authorities and have contributed to the resolution of many important challenges.”

Equal Access to Affordable Financing for Chamber Members

Mr. Arslan noted that one of the Chamber’s long-standing priorities has been advocating for a financing mechanism similar to the Artisan Credit Guarantee Loan Program for small and medium-sized enterprises registered with chambers of commerce.

He pointed out that the current low-interest financing program funded through Halkbank, despite relying on public resources, is available only to businesses registered with artisans’ chambers, while companies of similar size operating in the same sectors but registered with chambers of commerce are excluded.

“For this reason, we continue our efforts to encourage either legislative amendments or the establishment of a new financing mechanism that will provide equal opportunities for all businesses.”

Referring to the recently announced TOBB Nefes Loan Program, whose applications officially began on Monday, Mr. Arslan stated:

“The TOBB Nefes Loan, available exclusively to Chamber of Commerce members, demonstrates that the issues we have consistently raised at every platform are finally being addressed.

However, I believe the announced package still falls short of meeting the financing needs of our businesses. I hope this represents only the first step and that larger loan limits with more favorable interest rates will become available in the near future.”

“We Want to Raise the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow”

Chairman Nuri Arslan also drew attention to another critical challenge facing the business community—the growing shortage of qualified and technically skilled workers.

“Türkiye cannot achieve sustainable growth without production. Our resources are not unlimited. We must continue to work, produce, and export.

We must eliminate the misconception that students attending vocational high schools will only become apprentices. Today, many of the owners of successful manufacturing and exporting companies in our region are graduates of vocational schools.

The entrepreneurs and industrial leaders of tomorrow will emerge from today’s vocational and technical education institutions. At present, one of the greatest needs of our manufacturing sector is young people who have completed quality vocational training.

Unfortunately, the number of vocational high schools remains significantly lower than that of general high schools. Individuals with technical and vocational education have greater opportunities for success in business life. For both the future of our country and the prosperity of our young people, we must attach greater importance to vocational education. I strongly believe that the number of vocational schools should be increased.”

The Region Needs New Industrial and Commercial Areas

Chairman Arslan emphasized that one of the region’s most pressing priorities is the creation of additional industrial and commercial investment areas.

“Today, we are unable to allocate suitable land to entrepreneurs who are ready to invest with their own capital.

We continue our efforts to establish the Nazilli Second Organized Industrial Zone (Nazilli 2nd OIZ) in the Toygar–Esenköy area. However, this is not a project that the Chamber of Commerce can accomplish alone. It requires the cooperation and commitment of all public institutions and stakeholders throughout the region.

Once completed, the project will create significant investment opportunities for industrial enterprises while increasing employment, prosperity, and economic growth throughout the region. Everyone will benefit.”

Revitalizing the Historic Sümerbank Factory

Mr. Arslan also highlighted the importance of preserving and revitalizing the historic Nazilli Sümerbank Textile Factory, one of Türkiye’s earliest industrial landmarks.

“Opened by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1937, the Nazilli Sümerbank Textile Factory operated continuously until 2002 and played a pioneering role in Türkiye’s industrial development.

The factory produced the famous Nazilli Printed Cotton Fabric (Nazilli Basması), one of the country’s earliest nationally recognized textile brands.

Today, however, the factory complex urgently requires restoration, maintenance, and structural reinforcement.”

He explained that following a decision of the Privatization High Council in 2003, the factory site was allocated to Aydın Adnan Menderes University for use as an educational campus. Nevertheless, only a small portion of the property has been utilized, while most of the buildings and warehouses have remained idle.

“If proper restoration and redevelopment are undertaken, this historic complex can once again become an important center for production, trade, culture, and tourism.”

Chairman Arslan stated that the Nazilli Chamber of Commerce has proposed that approximately 63,000 square meters of the unused factory area be allocated to the Chamber.

According to the proposal, the site could accommodate:

• A modern exhibition and fair center,
• The Sümer Industrial Museum,
• A textile production facility dedicated to the revival of Nazilli Printed Cotton Fabric,
• Exhibition and sales areas for geographically indicated local products,
• And numerous additional projects designed to stimulate regional economic development.

“We firmly believe that restoring the Sümerbank Factory to productive use requires strong cooperation among public institutions. This is one of the most important development projects for the future of Nazilli.”

Promoting Geographical Indication Products

Chairman Arslan reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to protecting and promoting the region’s unique local products.

“We continue to secure Geographical Indication registration for our traditional products and actively promote them, first at the national level and increasingly in international markets.

Most recently, we successfully showcased our products during the Geographical Indication Products Promotion Event organized at TOBB Headquarters in Ankara.”

He emphasized that representing the interests of Chamber members remains his highest priority.

“At every meeting held in Ankara, whether with TOBB or the relevant ministries, I make it a priority to voice the concerns and expectations of our members.

These member meetings are organized so that we can meet with our members face-to-face, hear their opinions directly, understand their challenges, and shape the Chamber’s services according to their needs.

We strive to visit every member individually whenever possible. These meetings provide an invaluable opportunity for us to better understand your expectations and work together toward practical solutions.

Please never hesitate to bring your concerns to the Chamber. Within the limits of our authority and resources, we will continue working to find solutions.

Thank you all for your participation.”

The meeting concluded with a group photograph, marking the end of another successful member engagement event organized by the Nazilli Chamber of Commerce.