LITERACY KANSAS CITY RECEIVES $10,000 GRANT

(Kansas City, MO April 23, 2003) - Literacy Kansas City will become more accessible to its clients with a grant of $10,000 from the William T. Kemper Foundation, Commerce Bank, Trustee. The grant will be used for office expenses and tutoring programs at the newest Literacy Kansas City office located in the Redemptorist Center at Linwood and Broadway.

Up to 225,000 adults in the Kansas City area function at the lowest literacy level, below the fifth grade reading level. Literacy Kansas City's mission is to advance literacy among Kansas City area adults through direct services, advocacy and collaboration.

"We appreciate the support of the William T. Kemper Foundation, Commerce Bank, Trustee," said Brad Harris, executive director of Literacy Kansas City. "Its support will help us deliver on our mission of advancing literacy by allowing us to offer additional services at our Linwood location."

Founded in 1985, Literacy Kansas City is an accredited affiliate of ProLiteracy America, the U.S. program division of ProLiteracy Worldwide.

"As a corporate citizen, Commerce strives to make a difference in the overall quality of life in our communities, and we are focused on supporting initiatives in education, civic improvements and the arts," said Jonathan M. Kemper, Chairman of Commerce Bank, Kansas City, presenting the grant on behalf of the Kemper Foundation.

The William T. Kemper Foundation, Commerce Bank Trustee, was established in 1989 following Mr. Kemper's death. The foundation is dedicated to continuing Mr. Kemper's lifelong interest in improving the human condition and quality of life. The Foundation supports Midwest communities and concentrates on initiatives in education, health and human services, civic improvement and the arts.

About Commerce Bank
Commerce Bank is the principal subsidiary of Commerce Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH), a $13.4 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 330 locations and also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, credit related insurance, venture capital and real estate activities.

For more information contact:
Nancy E. Levin, APR
Director, Regional Marketing
816-234-2632

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

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