Fiscal cliff — this newly coined term has been overtaking the news lately. With more than $1 trillion in tax increases and spending cuts potentially going into effect for 2013, it’s not surprising. Fact is, the wrong plan could lead us right back into a recession. With that kind of volatility floating around, managing your wealth is more important than ever, and this guide provides some insight to keep you focused.

Commercial lending in the midstate is up. Find out why and what that could mean for your business in the Central Penn Business Journal's 2012 Business Lending Guide. Included are our annual commercial lenders directory and lists of private equity and venture capital firms, economic development organizations, SBA lenders, banks and credit unions.

In an economy where every dollar spent must bring maximum return, learn how the midstate's higher educational institutions are working with individuals and employers to make training and degrees more efficient and affordable. The Central Penn Business Journal's 2012 Higher Education guide also includes updated lists of area colleges and universities, career and trade schools and Pennsylvania MBA programs.

Besides regular training, what do all great athletes do before a big race? They stretch. Stretching helps increase muscle control, flexibility and range of motion. The same is true of our 2012 Business of the Year award winners and finalists, who have spent years building their experience and growing their businesses. They’re flexing their business muscles, and you can learn from these success stories.

Is your business missing out on energy savings? From dropping natural gas and generation prices to affordable energy efficiencies and co-generation options, you might be. Learn about how to manage your energy needs to improve your bottom line in the Central Penn Business Journal's Fall 2012 edition of Currents.

You know when you finally decide to get a new cell phone, and only then do you realize how bad your old phone was? Your business might need an upgrade, too — not necessarily in terms of cell phones but in regard to technology in general. Learn how to shake up the status quo and refresh your company with smarter technology. The result can only lead to smarter business.

There's nothing better than a movie featuring an underdog with lots of gumption. You know, the kind in which the protagonist triumphs and there's a happy ending. The Forty Under 40 class of 2012 is made up of these triumphant characters, except they're not acting. They're building successful careers as well as building the community in their “free” time. Now that's a film worth watching!

From the newly formed York County Economic Alliance to preparations for next year's 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, York and Adams counties have been full of developments. Those communities are advancing in part thanks to strong family businesses, higher education institutions and core industries, such as construction, agriculture and tourism.

The Business Journal shows you how the state pension crisis came to exist, the reform measures that reflect the current thinking, and what the crisis means — and could mean — to your business.

Although many elements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act have yet to come into effect, businesses have had to get started, while processes already under way are picking up steam. Find a road map to help your business through the changes and a timeline of what to expect in the Central Penn Business Journal's Health Care Reform Guide.

Whether it's giant warehouses, one-of-a-kind design concepts, smart homes, high-end craftsmanship or something bigger – like taking complete communities from blueprint to reality – the midstate's developers, architects and builders do it all. Read about some of these “extreme” building projects in the Central Penn Business Journal's fall 2012 issue of Construction & Real Estate.