Kütahya’s Deep-Rooted Heritage Is Shaping the Future KUTSO Chairman of the Board of Directors Esin Güral Argat: “Kütahya’s Business Community Is Tired of Waiting”

The Professional Committees Meeting of the Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KUTSO) was held last week with the participation of Assembly and Board of Directors members, Professional Committee Chairs and Professional Committee members. The meeting, which provided an opportunity to take the pulse of Kütahya’s business community, addressed sectoral priorities and expectations, as well as key issues that will shape the city’s future. Speaking at the meeting, Esin Güral Argat, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KUTSO, highlighted Kütahya’s deep-rooted heritage and considerable potential, stating: “Kütahya’s business community is tired of waiting. It will wait no longer. It will now assume the role it deserves.”

Beginning her address by drawing attention to KUTSO’s century-long history, Güral Argat discussed a wide range of issues, from Kütahya’s needs, economy and potential to the initiatives undertaken by the Chamber and its objectives for the period ahead.

“Honouring Our Past Is Part of This Chamber’s Character”

The Professional Committees Meeting of the Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which has now completed its 100th year, was held with broad participation and opened with an emphasis on honouring those who had contributed to the institution over the years. It was underlined that the position the Chamber has reached today is the result of the collective efforts of all former chairmen, Assembly members and Chamber members who have served throughout its history.

Commenting on the matter and stressing the importance of preserving institutional memory, Güral Argat stated that the “Corner of Loyalty and Respect” established within the Chamber represents an important symbol of respect for the past and institutional continuity.

Beginning her remarks by saying that she stood before the participants not to speak about the past, but about the future, Esin Güral Argat, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KUTSO, said:

“In order to speak properly about the future, we must first remember where we have come from. This Chamber has stood strong since 1926. Over this century-long journey, many highly valued individuals have served under this roof. Each of them, including our former chairmen, devoted their efforts, expertise and years of service to this institution. Where we stand today has been built upon those efforts.

I remain as grateful today as ever to everyone who has helped bring this Chamber to where it is now. None of us holds these positions for ourselves; we hold them in service of this city. This Chamber existed before me. It will continue to exist after me, and after all of us.”

The meeting also highlighted the steps taken towards further institutionalising the Chamber, including its digital transformation. It was noted that all archives dating back to 2000 have been transferred to digital platforms, thereby strengthening KUTSO’s institutional memory.

Emphasising the importance of unity and solidarity, Esin Güral Argat underlined the principle that “This Chamber belongs to Kütahya.” She stated that the true owners of KUTSO are its members who produce, create employment and contribute to the institution through their membership fees. She stressed that the strength of institutions derives from those they serve, adding that differing views are both natural and valuable, while decisions are always shaped by the will of the members.

“Our Work Is Our Answer”

The Professional Committees Meeting also reviewed the initiatives undertaken since 12 October 2022 and the agenda for the period ahead. Speaking on the subject, Esin Güral Argat stated that the work carried out during the four-year term had been the result of a collective effort, adding that KUTSO had adopted an approach based on direct engagement with members and a strong presence on the ground.

Esin Güral Argat said:

“Our work is our answer. We have measured everything we have undertaken in figures. We took this Chamber out from behind the desk and into the field, alongside you. We have knocked on the doors of our members more than 1,500 times. Today, our member satisfaction rate stands at 84 per cent. The proportion of members who are happy to pay their membership fees has risen from 53 per cent to 74 per cent. Because members trust an institution when they can see the value it delivers.

In terms of institutional quality, we achieved a four-star rating under the EFQM model. We have represented Kütahya at international forums from Brussels to Johannesburg. I did not achieve these things alone. We achieved them. We achieved them together. Today, I am pleased to see that what we have accomplished is also inspiring others.”

Güral Argat also noted that there are chambers now presenting initiatives that the KUTSO administration has been implementing for four years as new campaign pledges.

“All of this demonstrates that Kütahya is now progressing towards becoming a city that does not merely follow but sets an example; a city that does not trail behind but leads from the front,” she said.

“Kütahya’s Economy Must Diversify in Order to Grow”

The meeting, which was held with broad participation, also addressed work plans for the coming period, priority projects and new initiatives designed to contribute to Kütahya’s development. Initiatives aimed at advancing the city’s economic development were discussed through a collaborative approach.

Emphasising that Kütahya’s future depends on a strong, resilient and diversified economic structure, KUTSO Chairman of the Board of Directors Esin Güral Argat stated that sustainable growth could only be achieved by expanding into new fields rather than remaining dependent on a limited number of sectors.

Güral Argat emphasised:

“I have come here today not simply to talk about what we have already accomplished, but to discuss what we will do next. Kütahya’s economy must grow. However, this growth cannot rest on the shoulders of a single sector or a single cluster. We need to build a strong and resilient economy encompassing more sectors, standing on more pillars and not dependent on any single branch.”

In this context, Güral Argat highlighted the importance of the initiatives under way in the Altıntaş area. She stated that the aim is to establish a new production chain in which products such as lavender, thyme and saffron are processed to provide raw materials for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. She added that this model would support rural development, create new employment opportunities and contribute to the diversification of Kütahya’s economy.

In the industrial sector, Güral Argat noted that work is under way on a cooperative model designed to provide modern, well-equipped production facilities for businesses seeking to expand. She added that the needs expressed by KUTSO members are being translated into concrete projects.

Güral Argat outlined her vision for Kütahya’s future as follows:

“We will increase the added value of our traditional tiles and ceramics. We will make Kütahya a city that not only manufactures, but manufactures through technology. We will create opportunities for our young people and women to establish businesses in their own city. We will open the way for our exporters to reach new markets. All of these are integral parts of diversifying our economy.

Kütahya will become a city that produces more, takes its products to more distant markets, sells them at higher value and creates more employment.”

Adding that universities, public institutions and the business community must work towards the same objectives in order to shape Kütahya’s future and accelerate the city’s economic and social development, Güral Argat said:

“We can only transform Kütahya’s potential into tangible results by putting collective wisdom and strong partnerships into practice.”

“I Do Not Leave What I Start Unfinished”

Since taking office, the KUTSO administration has sought to take the Chamber beyond routine services, transforming it into a strong institution that plays an active role on the ground, listens to its members, develops solutions and helps shape Kütahya’s economic future.

KUTSO Chairman of the Board of Directors Esin Güral Argat summarised this process as follows:

“For four years, this team has turned its words into action. You know me. I do not leave what I start unfinished. I am ready to complete the work we have begun, because leaving a job unfinished is in neither my nature nor that of this team.

This Chamber has stood strong for a hundred years because, at no point in its history, has it defined itself through a single individual. Each generation has passed the flag on to the next, taking it further forward. Our responsibility is to carry that flag one step further.”

With an approach centred on understanding change, maintaining close engagement with the business community and acting through collective wisdom, KUTSO plans to continue resolutely pursuing initiatives that contribute to the development of the business community.

News: KUTSO Press Office