County Executive George Borrello fulfilled a campaign promise ahead of schedule.

For his first 100 days in office, Borrello committed to visiting 100 businesses to gauge issues the business community faces in Chautauqua County and also to see what is going right. He completed the feat in just 94 days.

Borrello said he didn’t come away from his trips empty handed. Rather, he finished his 100th visit at Growers Co-Op in Westfield with a plan in mind.

Borrello said the county has to focus more on local businesses that are already here rather than bringing in outside business.

To do this, Borrello said he wants the county to facilitate better cooperation and communication between community entities regarding economic development. He said the county should also be an advocate for things the business community needs such as a prepared, skilled workforce.

One of the most pressing issues facing local businesses is finding a skilled workforce that will show up for work.

“We need to focus on filling the opportunities at home,” Borrello said.

Going forward, Borrello said all levels of government will be focusing on workforce development. He said making sure educational institutions such as the State University of New York at Fredonia and SUNY JCC are poised to educate students in areas where there local demand is important. Borrello noted that there are initiatives like Dream It Do It WNY and the Education Coalition that are already working in tandem with educational institutions.

Borrello said he was surprised about how much is still being created in the local area. “I want to tell that story to everyone,” Borrello said. ” We all have to have a lot of pride in what is made in Chautauqua County.”

Borrello said he has often heard people reminisce about what “used to be made” here, but pointed out that people are failing to recognize what is still being made here.

“Three hundred and sixty five days-a-year, this is a great place to live, work and to raise a family,” Borrello said. “If we can share that confidence with other people, people will have more confidence in us. If you live here and you haven’t taken the time to learn what is produced here, you should take the time to learn a little more.”

He said he will continue visiting area businesses.