Minneapolis, MN., October 1, 2004 — Knutson Construction Services recently participated in the Healthcare Facilities Conference sponsored by the University of St. Thomas and Minnesota Real Estate Journal. Ed Curtiss, Vice President Knutson Construction, led a panel discussion on healthcare construction delivery methods and leading trends driving the current construction boom. Panelists included David Carr – Senior Project Manger, Knutson Construction Services; Dan Kratz – Senior Director, Business Development, Children’s Hospital and Clinics; Jody Link – Vice President, Ancillary Support Services, Fairview Northland Regional Hospital, Princeton; and Lawrence Massa Chief Executive Officer, Rice Memorial Hospital, Willmar.

Ed Curtiss presented a review of the major delivery methods being used by healthcare organizations. Panelists Massa, Link, and Kratz each presented case studies covering the specific trends driving their construction project, why they chose a particular delivery method, and lessons learned about delivery methods.

David Carr discussed seven trends facing many healthcare facilities, which are driving the construction boom. These include:

1. the desire to improve operational efficiency & patient flow
2. the need to replace or upgrade aging facilities
3. demographic changes: population growth, more diverse communities, and aging boomers
4. a stronger focus on family-centered care and consumer demand for privacy
5. increasing competition & economic factors
6. flexibility for future technology
7. an increase in specialty and ambulatory care

Approximately 100 people attended the conference. Former Senator Dave Durenberger was the keynote speaker on “Healthcare Economics and Policy Trends”.