The Midwest has been supported by a robust ag economy.  Nor did we live as "high" during the boom so we have less distance to "fall" to reach equilibrium.  I truly believe, a lot of American's have a "nice" nest egg their sitting on while quietly waiting for a obvious bottom stabilization before they invest in new growth opportunities.  Lack of confidence in this adminstration's present and future policies is greatly extending this downturn.