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In December, state and federal officials will hold a summit to generate more ideas. Some groups are calling for a focus on renewable-energy production and workforce-development programs to train health care workers. The burgeoning timber and bourbon industries are other potential sources of economic growth. "In a broader, diversified economy, [coal] should just be one of many options," argues Charles Fluharty, CEO of the Rural Policy Research Institute. One thing is certain: officials around the country will be watching to see what, if anything, works.