COMMERCE BANK AND THE WILLIAM T. KEMPER FOUNDATION GIVE $20,000 TO AREA COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

The Richard Allen Cultural Center and the Leavenworth County Senior Services, Inc. each receive $10,000

Leavenworth, KS - May 1, 2003 - Commerce Bank and the William T. Kemper Foundation announced that it would grant $10,000 to each The Richard Allen Cultural Center and the Leavenworth County Senior Services, Inc. Both organizations will use the grant to expand existing facilities to accommodate community outreach programs.

"We are proud that we could make this contribution to both The Richard Allen Cultural Center and Leavenworth County Senior Services, Inc." said Bill Petrie, Community Bank President. "The William T. Kemper Foundation and Commerce Bank are pleased to help fund community programs that provide learning opportunities for all ages."

The Richard Allen Cultural Center (Museum) serves as a depository for African American artifacts and is a resource center that provides community services, tutoring and workshops that encourage cultural diversity. The expansion project will house a study area with new computers for students K-12. Established in 1992, The Museum is located in a six-room home of two former Buffalo Soldiers.

The Leavenworth County Senior Services, Inc. was established in 2000 to provide quality activities for area seniors. The Center plans to renovate the upper floor of their newly purchased downtown building for a community activity room and permanent home of the Council on Aging.

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:
Rebecca Freetly-Graber
Marketing Officer
816.234.2308

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

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