Superpowers Meet?

President Bush has spent seven years going head to head with the most powerful people in the world. But will he meet his match in Southern California tomorrow? During his tour of the region starting tomorrow to sooth Americans' fears of a recession, Bush is to visit a local economic powerhouse: Frank Robinson and his Robinson Helicopter plant in Torrance, Calif. plant. (Perhaps Frank will mention his company earning the top ranking in Rotor & Wing's Excellence Ratings.) The visit comes as Robinson is reporting another record year: 823 new helicopters built in 2007. That tops the company's record year of 2005, which saw 806 built. 2007's total included a record for yearly production of a single model: 664 R44s (2005's record was 563). R22 demand remained strong, too, with 159 built. Robinson expects strong sales to continue in 2008. For related news