Özer Matlı Wins BTSO Presidency with 82 Votes

Özer Matlı was elected president of the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO) on October 8, securing 82 of 159 assembly votes. Incumbent İbrahim Burkay received the remaining votes after a 13-year tenure. The election concluded a process that began with committee elections on October 1.

Matlı's winning slate included ten management board members such as Abidin Şakir Özen and Sinan Topuk. Erol Dağlıoğlu was elected assembly president alongside Matlı's victory. The new leadership team takes office immediately for a four-year term.

“The best congratulation for me is the support you will give to our young people acquiring a profession and building their future.”

In his first remarks, Matlı emphasized unity, stating the chamber belongs to all 60,000 members regardless of election preferences. He pledged transparency and accountability, promising to investigate any past shortcomings. Matlı described himself as a "child of Bursa" committed to serving industrialists, tradespeople, and SMEs alike.

Bursaspor fans celebrated Matlı's victory outside his headquarters with torches, carrying the new president on their shoulders. Political figures from AK Party, CHP, and İYI Party congratulated Matlı while thanking Burkay for his long service. Muhammet Müfit Aydın and Refik Özen were among the deputies offering support.

Matlı outlined priorities including reducing membership fees, easing access to financing, and supporting SMEs. He assured chamber employees that no jobs would be threatened. The new president also redirected congratulatory gestures, asking well-wishers to donate to the BTSO Education Foundation (BUTGEM) for vocational training instead of sending flowers.