At The Business Council's Annual Meeting Sept. 19, The Council's Board of Directors unanimously adopted the following resolution on the terrorism of Sept. 11:

We join all Americans in expressing our deepest sorrow over the human devastation of last week.

We honor those who gave their lives courageously helping others during a time of terror. Some are known; others died as nameless heroes. We will remember them, as well as all who died in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania.

We are profoundly grateful for the selfless public servants who have devoted themselves body and soul-and in some cases have given their own lives-to the tasks of finding and caring for the victims of the attacks. So, too, we are thankful for the extraordinary work that employees of Consolidated Edison, Verizon and other companies have performed to restore the vital energy and communications capabilities New Yorkers need now more than ever.

We also express our gratitude to the countless New Yorkers-joined by millions of individuals all across America, and indeed around the world, of all backgrounds and faiths-who have contributed their prayers, talents, and financial support to helping the victims and preparing for rebuilding.

Along with President Bush, we have deep and unshakable confidence in the strength of the American people, and in the spirit of New York. Much was destroyed on September 11, but much more of the greatness of our society remains-most fundamentally, the unmatched dedication and skills of those who work and do business in the Empire State.

We pledge our utmost commitment to the task of rebuilding, and ask all employers throughout the Empire State to redouble their efforts. History tells us that New York's economy has suffered before. Always, it has emerged better and stronger; we know that such will be the case now. Our state motto-Excelsior, or "ever higher"-points the way to our destiny. Together, New Yorkers will carry on to fulfill that promise.