CHUCK HAMILTON WILL RECEIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD SPONSORED BY COMMERCE BANK

(St. Joseph, MO April 28, 2003) - Chuck Hamilton will receive the St. Joseph Community Service Award sponsored by Commerce Bank at a noon, Tuesday, April 29 at the St. Joseph Country Club. As recognition for his community service, $7,500 will be given to Noyes Home. Hamilton is the first St. Joseph recipient of this award.

Emil Sechter, President, Commerce Bank, St. Joseph, will present the award. "Chuck exemplifies the community spirit we are seeking when making this award. Chuck's efforts over the years have contributed to making the St. Joseph area a wonderful community in which to live, work and raise a family," said Sechter.

Chuck Hamilton was born and raised in St. Joseph and is the fourth generation of his family to operate St. Joseph Packaging, Inc. Chuck graduated from Central High School in 1969 and met his wife Glenda while attending William Jewell College. He graduated from college in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Chuck has served on the Board of Directors of the St. Joseph Area United Way and Co-Chaired Success by 6 Collaboration and Access Team. He is currently serving as Chair of the Community Initiatives that include Success by 6, Profit in Education and Leadership St. Joseph. He is scheduled to be Chairman of the Board of United Way in 2004.

Hamilton has been a long-standing Trustee of the Serepta Ward Noyes Trust, which helps fund the Noyes Home. "I have enjoyed working with a variety of organizations in St. Joseph," Hamilton said. "Noyes Home is an extraordinary place because of the special work it does in helping children. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to their continuing mission with the recognition of the Commerce Bank Community Service Award."

Founded in 1874, the Noyes Home is a group foster home for children ages 6-18. Referral reasons vary from homelessness to parental neglect. Children can reside at the Noyes Home for short stays up to several years. Noyes Home is unique in the fact that sibling groups can be placed together. Noyes Home is a private, non-profit organization that receives no government funding and is operated by the Ladies Union Benevolent Association.

The Community Service Award is dedicated to recognizing individuals who make an exceptional contribution to their communities and the people who live there. A special grant given in the name of the honoree is awarded to the nonprofit agency of the honoree's choice. The potential award recipients are identified through a thoughtful consultation process with Commerce Bank officers and advisory board members.

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 148 years, Commerce Bank, St. Joseph 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:
Emil Sechter
President
816-236-5739

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

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