In a special video presentation during the American Bankers Association’s 2001 Virtual Annual Convention, U.S. President George W. Bush commended bankers for keeping America’s finances flowing in the days after September 11.

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, the ABA cancelled its annual convention in California, scheduled for September 19. Instead, it developed an online version of the convention to offer free access to key financial leaders.

“This conference was rescheduled in respect for the loss of our colleagues and fellow citizens in the tragedy of September 11,” said Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan during his keynote video address. “But the fact that the conference is going forward in cyberspace is a testimony to American perseverance, to our technology, and to our flexibility. It is a metaphor for the ability of our economy to circumvent difficulties and innovate around obstacles and — most of all– for our decentralized and diversified economic structure.”

“This virtual convention is all about getting back to business. Our industry is back at work,” said Don Ogilvie, ABA’s executive vice president in his address. “The nation’s banking system has never been on more solid ground. Throughout the September crisis the banking system performed admirably. Customers continued to gain access to their funds. Their money was safe and federally insured. The fundamentals of our economy were unshaken. Now bankers are involved in helping to fuel the economic recovery. They’re providing loans in communities across America, and contributing in their own unique way to restoring the American spirit.”

While this is ABA’s first virtual annual convention, it follows a successful all-virtual conference ABA hosted in June.