The Great Lakes and Corn Belt together have become known as the "Heartland" because of the true "American" values seen in this area. Regions in the Heartland such a Columbus, Ohio, and Illinois are used as test markets because their demographic, economic, and ethnic mixes are very similar to those of the United States as a whole. Therefore, products that are successful in this area are assumed to be successful nationwide. How does this relate to San Francisco you may ask? Well, some of the products sold and battered in San Francisco were first tested in the Heartland. Just another reason to visit San Francisco and go shopping!
