LEE A. STEINMAN JOINS COMMECE BANK ADVISORY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HANNIBAL, MO - March 10, 2003- Commerce Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Lee A. Steinman to the Commerce Bank Advisory Board of Directors, Hannibal Region. Jerold Lee, Hannibal Community Bank President, made the announcement today.

"We're very excited to have Mr. Steinman join our board," Lee said. "His expertise will lend itself to our group, and his market knowledge will be a great asset to our board."

Mr. Steinman is president of C&S Companies, Inc. He formed the company in September of 1983. He currently serves as vice president of the Hannibal Rural Fire Department. With the help of his family, he established Injun Joe Campgrounds and Mark Twain Outdoor Theater during the 1970's and is a current shareholder.

Lee and his wife, Cynthia, have five children and reside in New London, MO.

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:
Jeanne Howard
Regional Marketing Manager
314-746-3672

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

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