Local merchants support Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Ann Stefanek
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The Incirlik Village Merchants Association, a group of approximately 60 local businesses, continues its support of Incirlik Air Base personnel as it begins its 13th year of service.

Merchants joined together in 1996 to form the association with the goal of achieving customer service oriented solutions for their customers. All members agreed to obey IVMA decisions and to treat customers fairly.

According to Col. Phil McDaniel, 39th Air Base Wing commander, "The IVMA gives consumers some level of confidence that they are not being taken advantage of. They try to ensure merchants provide quality products at a fair price."

The IVMA is similar to the chamber of commerce in the United States in that it is an institution aimed a representing the unified interests of its members. Bases in the United States foster relationships with their local chambers of commerce in an effort to build relationships between base personnel and local community businesses.

Similarly, Incirlik's leadership works closely with the IVMA to ensure Incirlik residents have a positive experience while guests in Turkey. The IVMA helps ensure Incirlik residents are safe when they visit local restaurants and shops.

"The association works closely with base leadership, the Incirlik Mayor's office and the Jandarma to resolve issues between alley merchants and U.S. personnel," said Mr. Abdulkerim Estetik, IVMA president. "In fact, we also have a committee to address customer complaints."

When a dispute arises between an IVMA business and an Incirlik-based customer, the association is notified so they can help find an equitable solution to the dispute.

"The IVMA has been a great success and because of its involvement we rarely take drastic measures like putting businesses off limits," explained Colonel McDaniel. "The IVMA helps police themselves."

The IVMA's complaint committee acts on feedback obtained from its customers. In fact as a result of feedback members of the IVMA are not allowed to leave their businesses to pull customers by the arm into their shops. According to Mr. Estetik, customer's encountering such behavior from IVMA businesses should contact the IVMA so they can resolve the problem.

"The American personnel at Incirlik are our main customers," said Mr. Estetik. "They are our back bone. They are also guests of our country; therefore, we should make them feel secure and comfortable here."