he U.S. Midwest often is denigrated by hipsters of both coasts as "fly-over territory," the kind of space that is merely an annoying delay in transport from hot spot to hot spot. But corporations, their families of suppliers and regular families themselves know a different reality down on the very solid ground, where new projects are generating some heat of their own.
        A look at commodity flow statistics points out why the Midwest is a literally pivotal player. Five of the top 10 cities for total movement of commodities are in or near the region, with Chicago and its 22.6-percent share at No. 1. St. Louis comes in third with 12.3 percent, followed by Indianapolis in 6th place, Kansas City at No. 8 and Louisville (often considered southern, but truly at the heart of things) at No. 9.
        To the benefit of the Midwest states, companies seeking places to move those goods are also looking for places to establish a central foothold. Those firms searching for a solid business climate backed by equally solid workers and daily life amenities are in turn drawn increasingly to a crossroads home.