DIANN M. PETERSON PROMOTED TO FINANCIAL SERVICES MANAGER, COMMERCE BANK, LEAVENWORTH

Leavenworth, KS - February 27, 2003 - Commerce Bank announced the promotion of Diann M. Peterson to Financial Services Manager in the Leavenworth Broadway branch. Peterson's responsibilities include daily branch management and small business development. Peterson began her career at Commerce as a Teller in 1981.

About Commerce Bank
Commerce Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH) a $13.3 billion regional bank holding company. For more than 135 years, Commerce has been meeting the financial services needs of individuals and businesses. Commerce provides a diversified line of financial services, including business and personal banking, wealth management and estate planning and investments through its affiliated companies. Commerce Bancshares operates across three states with more than 340 locations and also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, credit related insurance, venture capital and real estate activities.

For more information contact:
Rebecca Freetly-Graber
Marketing Officer, Commerce Bank
(816) 234-2308

Website: www.commercebank.com
e-mail: mymoney@commercebank.com
SYMBOL: CBSH

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