Potlatch Announces Selection of Christopher A. ''Kit'' Eckel as Vi

    Business Editors

    SPOKANE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2005--Christopher A. "Kit" Eckel has been promoted to the position of Vice President, Human Resources, for Potlatch Corporation (NYSE:PCH), effective February 1, following the voluntary early retirement of Barbara M. Failing, who has served in that capacity since 1989 and has been with the company for 31 years, according to L. Pendleton Siegel, Potlatch Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
    Kit Eckel joined Potlatch Corporation's Human Resources department in San Francisco in 1978 and served in a variety of capacities with Potlatch and, previously, with several Fortune 500 companies. "Kit has a wealth of human resources experience as well as a full understanding of Potlatch and its various businesses," Siegel said. "We anticipate a smooth transition."
    "Barbara's long and distinguished career with Potlatch speaks for itself," Siegel added. "We thank her for her many contributions and wish her a fulfilling retirement," Siegel said.
    Potlatch is a diversified forest products company with timberlands in Arkansas, Idaho and Minnesota.

    This news release contains, in addition to historical information, certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's best estimates and assumptions regarding future events, and are therefore subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. The company's actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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CONTACT: Potlatch Corporation Media: Michael D. Sullivan, 509-835-1516 (work) 509-951-3405 (cell) or Investors: Douglas D. Spedden, 509-835-1549

KEYWORD: WASHINGTON INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FOREST PRODUCTS MANAGEMENT CHANGES SOURCE: Potlatch Corporation

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