Tüm Kırtasiyeciler Derneği (TÜKİD) officially kicked off its new term with its Annual General Meeting held on June 18, 2025. The meeting, which brought together leading figures in the sector, presented a strong vision centered on organizational transformation, digital innovation, and sectoral representation. Taha Keresteci, who was elected president, drew attention with his participatory and inclusive management approach, while also sharing the new roadmap that will carry the stationery sector into the future with the public. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
The Association of Stationery Retailers (TÜKİD), continuing its mission to serve as the collective voice of the sector, held its Annual General Meeting on June 18, 2025. The meeting, held at the TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center, brought together leading representatives of the stationery sector. The General Meeting began with the formation of the Presiding Board. Hüseyin Süer was elected as Chair of the Presiding Board, while Ercan Akbaş assumed the role of Vice Chair. Atalay Karvar and Semih Kaşo served as Secretary Members. In his opening remarks, Presiding Officer Hüseyin Süer invited the participants to observe a moment of silence in memory of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, and all the esteemed pioneers of the stationery sector who have passed away, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem. Following the moment of silence and the National Anthem, a video presentation summarizing TÜKİD’s activities for the 2023–2025 term was shared with the participants via projector. After the presentation, which was watched with great interest, the agenda items were addressed. The first to speak was the previous President, Vecdet F. Şendil. Reflecting on his tenure, which spanned over eight years with intermittent breaks, Şendil stated that they had taken significant steps to enhance TÜKİD’s institutional capacity. Noting that achieving the status of a sector council under the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) was a historic achievement, Şendil stated that the key gains of this period included increasing trade fair revenues, actively integrating the retail channel into the system, and establishing structural relationships with public institutions. Other notable highlights included the expansion of the association’s international representation, strengthened ties with civil society organizations, the work of the bylaws committee, an increase in membership, and relief efforts conducted in earthquake-affected regions. As he handed over his duties, Şendil stated that they would continue to support the new administration and emphasized that the stationery sector must move forward with a vision of growth within the union. During the continuation of the General Assembly, the Board of Directors’ Activity Report and the Audit Committee Report were read and approved unanimously. Subsequently, Assembly Chairman Hüseyin Süer, referencing the speeches that had thanked members serving on the earthquake committee for their dedicated efforts, highlighted the importance of sector solidarity by stating, “These duties are not a matter of gratitude but our primary responsibility.” Following this, the proposed budget for the 2025–2027 term was discussed and approved unanimously.
“This Industry Is Like a Family”
Taha Keresteci, the presidential candidate in the election held with a single slate at the TÜKİD General Assembly, shared the roadmap for the new term and his management philosophy with the members in a comprehensive speech. Beginning his remarks by thanking all stakeholders in the sector, Keresteci stated, “We have gathered here today not merely for an election, but for our shared future. Everyone in this hall represents the immense effort and solidarity that spans from the retailer who opens their store each morning with hope to the manufacturer who produces with dedication and represents our country through exports.” Defining the stationery sector not merely as a business field but also as a culture and family structure, Keresteci said, “This sector is a structure that has grown through years of accumulated experience and is woven with sincere bonds. I believe that if every stationery retailer is supported, this sector will grow. I believe that every problem can be resolved through proper communication,” he said, emphasizing an inclusive and collaborative management philosophy.
Advisory Board, Digital Transformation, and a New Era in Representation
In his speech, Keresteci outlined his goals point by point, first explaining that full representation would be ensured through bylaw amendments. “We want every sector to have an equal say on the Board of Directors. We aim to strengthen sectoral representation by increasing the number of vice-presidents,” he said. Noting that they would activate the Advisory Board—a long-standing but unimplemented initiative—Keresteci stated, “Moving beyond this list and this mindset, we will establish an advisory board with seasoned veterans who have dedicated years of service to the sector. We will work together, not just with 12 people.” Announcing that an effective content strategy will also be implemented across digital platforms, Keresteci said the goal is to move the sector away from its “neighborhood stationery store” image and evolve into a structure with high corporate prestige through interviews prepared on YouTube, social media campaigns, and viral content. “We want to make our sector more visible and reputable through social media,” said Keresteci, adding that they will also create an active information channel via WhatsApp to communicate directly with members. Among the new administration’s goals are: combating unlicensed and counterfeit products, participating in international trade fairs, structuring conventions with an educational focus, providing financial and legal consulting services for members, and increasing collaborations with other sectors. Noting that the stationery sector encompasses a broad ecosystem ranging from retail to wholesale, and from manufacturers to exporters, Keresteci invited the young and dynamic management team—composed of second-generation representatives—onto the stage to introduce them. “We embrace a participatory, transparent, and solution-oriented management philosophy. We are committed to listening to all stakeholders, collaborating to create value, and moving forward with collective wisdom,” he concluded.
New Administration Takes Office
In the vote held at the conclusion of the General Assembly, TÜKİD’s new Board of Directors, which will serve during the 2025–2027 term, was elected unanimously. It was announced that a total of 82 members cast their votes in the election, which featured a single slate of candidates. TÜKİD 2025–2027 Term Board of Directors: Regular and Alternate Members • President: Taha Keresteci (Ceren Import) • Vice President: Fatih Çiftcioğlu (Fatih Pen) • Spokesperson: Faruk Çelikten (Barker Stationery) • Treasurer: Emre Sumer (Güçlü Stationery) • Yılmaz Orhan (Yılmazlar Stationery) • Ali Çiftcioğlu (Pensan Pen) • Şenay Demirtaş (Tetaş) • Tamer Ersan (Silka Stationery) • Fatih Solak (Akoluk Book & Stationery) • Sercan Lir (Kemerburgaz Office Stationery) • Tarkan Doğan (Şahin Stationery) • Fatih Demirkıran (Demirkıran Stationery) Audit Committee Members: • Chair: Ender Karvar (Derya Distribution Inc.) • Members: • Erol Aykut (Eraysan Import Export) • Cengiz Bakımlı (Seyhan Distribution)
The new board of directors was greeted with applause from the audience in the hall.
From E-Commerce to Regional Representation:
During the “Wishes and Hopes” segment of the General Assembly, TÜKİD members shared their expectations of the new administration in clear and constructive terms. Speeches containing suggestions, criticisms, and messages of support regarding the sector’s future fostered a constructive dialogue that reflected the General Assembly’s spirit of participation. Speaking first, former TÜKİD President Mehmet Helvacıoğlu emphasized that the new administration should prioritize the proper planning of the number of trade show years. Stating that respect must be the foundation of communication with members, Helvacıoğlu called for transparency and professionalism in advisory services. Drawing attention to inconsistencies in the membership structure, he demanded stricter measures against counterfeit products and unfair member registrations. He also shared his expectation of increasing the number of female members and conveyed his best wishes for the new administration’s success. İhsan Güzel, who participated from Ankara and operates a retail business via e-commerce, highlighted the impact of digital sales platforms on the sector. Noting that TÜKİD has not adequately addressed this issue, Mr. Güzel stated, “I joined the association to be able to compete in this field. I am ready to contribute voluntarily if necessary.” Mehmet Bayrak, President of the Antalya Stationers’ Association, highlighted that retailers are becoming increasingly marginalized in the sector, stating, “Retailers are not sufficiently represented on management boards. The sector is deteriorating year by year.” “The appeal of trade shows, in particular, has waned, and we are expecting concrete steps to be taken in this regard,” he said. Erol Aykut, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Eraysan Group and Vice Chair of the 6th Committee at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO), emphasized the importance of a peaceful and open-to-communication structure within the sector and expressed his support for the young leadership. “By looking at things through a positive lens, we can overcome any problem. I sincerely believe that the sector will grow stronger together in this new era,” he said. Ender Karvar, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Derya Distribution Inc. and Chairman of the 6th Committee of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO), delivered an emotional speech, sharing his 32-year history with the association. “We once kept this association afloat by supporting it out of our own pockets,” said Karvar, highlighting the value of unity and loyalty despite past grievances: “A broken bone heals within the body.” Hamdi Karapınar from Evrensel İletişim noted that online sales are putting pressure on retailers and suggested that TÜKİD begin collecting suggestions and solutions from members on this issue. “We can prevent unfair competition in e-commerce with insights from within the sector,” he urged. Cüneyt Güvenli, meanwhile, noted that participation from stationery retailers in Anatolia at the general assembly was low, and said the new administration should establish more contact with these regions. “To increase membership, we should turn to names from within our own ranks,” said Güvenli, recommending more effective use of digital communication tools. Mehmet Helvacıoğlu, a former president of TÜKİD, said: “I am proud of all the second-generation colleagues in the new administration, because we know their fathers, uncles, and cousins, and I’m glad they’ve taken on roles in this new term. Of course, I also respect those colleagues who showed patience and said, ‘I won’t take it anymore; it’s time for the younger generation to have their turn.’ “Last night, we all had a dinner together. They made us all feel how wholeheartedly we support the newly elected members. The more successful we are in our collaborations with all the chambers of commerce, the more successful we will be. I wish the new team and the new generation every success in their work,” he said.
“Together, We Will Lead the Industry into the Future”
Taking the floor at the closing of the General Assembly, the new President, Taha Keresteci, began his remarks by noting that this was not merely a handover of duties, but also a sharing of a great responsibility. Thanking the previous presidents and all those who have contributed to the sector, Keresteci said, “I express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to bringing this sector to where it is today. The values they have left behind illuminate our path.” Highlighting the sector’s need for transformation, Keresteci noted that the stationery sector is not merely a field limited to the school season but holds cultural and creative potential. He stated that as the new administration, they have adopted an approach based on collective wisdom, participation, and sincerity: “We all have different experiences. By transforming these experiences into a collective strength, we will move forward together.” Keresteci also highlighted the importance of trade fairs in strengthening sectoral unity and announced that they would take decisive steps to reverse the decline experienced post-pandemic: “We are an industry that managed to hold trade shows even during the pandemic. This is a testament to our faith in the sector. We will now move forward with a stronger organization.” Addressing criticism that retail members were not adequately represented, Keresteci noted that the current bylaws limit participation and stated that plans to amend the bylaws would be brought to the agenda in the near future. Keresteci stated that they plan to establish a more balanced structure with the Advisory Board, saying, “We will form an advisory board composed of representatives from importers, manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers. The recommendations emerging from this board will be reflected in our board of directors’ decision-making processes.” Keresteci noted that in the new term, they aim to strengthen the membership base and ensure the stationery sector spreads more effectively across Turkey by establishing regional branches. He concluded his remarks with the following words: “This association belongs to all of us. If we move forward with the right bylaws, a strong structure, and shared goals, we can take our sector further. “I would like to thank all our members present here, our colleagues from Anatolia, and all the institutions that have supported us. We will work with great determination alongside our new board of directors.”