PAUL RODRIGUEZ RECEIVES COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD SPONSORED BY COMMERCE BANK

KANSAS CITY, MO - September 10, 2003 - Paul Rodriguez will be awarded the 2003 Community Service Award sponsored by Commerce Bank at a luncheon to be held on Tuesday, September 16 at the Woodside Tennis and Health Club, 2000 West. 47th Place, Westwood, KS. A grant of $8,000 funded by the William T. Kemper and Commerce Bancshares Foundations will be given in Rodriguez's name to The Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund.

Jonathan M. Kemper, Commerce Bank Chairman, Kansas City region, will present the service award and grant. "Paul exemplifies the community spirit we seek when making this award. His dedication to serving the organizations that help sustain our community, and in particular the rapidly-growing Hispanic community, makes him an ideal choice for this award." Paul Rodriguez refused to accept the limited job opportunities previously given to Hispanics. With little capital, in 1977, Paul established his company, Rodriguez Mechanical Contractors. After almost 27 years in business, Paul has become one of the largest plumbing contractors in the Kansas City area. He has achieved this status not only because of his mind for business, but also his mind for community.

Paul discovered a socioeconomic need in the Hispanic community and made a commitment to foster change. Some of the organizations that have benefited from Paul's involvement include: Workforce Investment Board, Heart of America United Way, Christmas in October, Minority Contractors Association of Greater Kansas City, and United Community Services. He is also a long-time coach and sponsor of Little League Baseball.

Paul displays his board service and leadership by performing various roles. Currently a United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Region III Board of Director, Paul has also served as president of the Kansas City Hispanic Contractors Enterprise (KCHACE.) He is Chair Elect of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, past national board member for the National Association of Minority Contractors, and co-founder of the Hispanic Contractors of America formed in 1995. He was honored by the Kansas City, Kansas Chamber of Commerce with the Humanities Award that recognizes outstanding civic contributions.

"I have enjoyed working with a variety of organizations that benefit not only the Hispanic community but also our community at large," Paul said. "It is a great privilege for me to be able to support The Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund with this monetary contribution in my honor. The fund supports a variety of activities that helps the Hispanic community including educational advancement, immigration and cultural expression such as oral histories and Mariachi music workshops for youths."

The Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund was established in 1983 under the leadership of Tony Salazar and other local community leaders with a $225,000 grant from the Hall Family Foundation. The fund was created to foster the expression of Hispanic culture and improve the quality of life for Hispanic families in the Greater Kansas City area.

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 $14.0 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 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

# # #