If you're trying to reassure Americans that there is a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of this economy, you too might want to profile Robinson Helicopter Company. It's the world's largest manufacturer of civilian helicopters and last year it reported record setting profits for 2007.
The Commerce Department Wednesday reported that the economy nearly stalled entirely in the final quarter of 2007, with a growth rate of just .6 percent.
The president's visit to California comes on the heels of his State of the Union address, in which he acknowledged economic uncertainty. He did however try to reassure Americans, saying things will get better.
It was a bad year for most Americans. In fact for all of 2007, the economy only grew 2.2 percent, the worst showing in five years.
The President talked about trade and the economy. Employees at Robinson Helicopter Company say they are thrilled to have him visit.
"We are very honored, yes, it is an important day for us and it's, you know, the first time we've had a president come to visit us here," said Frank Robinson, Robinson Helicopter Company Founder. "We're very grateful for it."
President Bush took a tour of the facility after making his remarks. He then spoke at a closed-door fundraiser for the Republican National Committee.
Bush will head to San Francisco to attend a RNC fundraising dinner.
The president is on a three-day, four-state swing.
