COMMERCE BANK's CIO HONORED AS 2004 Premier 100 IT LEADER BY IDG'S COMPUTERWORLD

"The Voice of IT Management" Recognizes Tom Cook for Creativity, Business Savvy in 5th Annual Awards Program

Kansas City, Mo. - January 6, 2004 - Jonathan Kemper, Chairman, Commerce Bank, Kansas City, announced today that Tom Cook, Chief Information Officer, has been recognized by IDG's Computerworld, the "Voice of IT Management," as one of the business world's Premier 100 IT Leaders. The award honors executives who show exemplary technology leadership in resolving press business problems. Honorees, including Mr. Cook, were named and profiled in the January 5th issue of Computerworld.

Mr. Cook was selected from nearly 600 nominees, who were measured against Computerworld's IT Leadership Index, a set of characteristics that describes executives who guide the effective use of IT in their organizations, and evaluated by the editors and by an external panel of past Premier 100 honorees. Other honorees include leading IT executives from corporations such as J.P. Morgan Chase, Marriott International, American Express, Lockheed Martin, MetLife and the U.S. Air Force.

"Our Premier 100 list honors those who've had a positive impact on their IT groups and their companies during some of the toughest times in years," said Maryfran Johnson, editor in chief of Computerworld. "They lead people and projects to success. They're adept communicators who are 'bilingual' in tech-speak and business talk. But most significantly, they're still willing to take risks in these highly risk-averse times."

"We're very excited for Tom because his leadership in managing our information and systems at Commerce Bank enables us to transparently provide the kinds of financial products and services our customers tell us they want," Jonathan Kemper said. "Not only does Tom's vision allow us to use technology to serve customers, his leadership also keeps our information safe."

"Tom and his team have delivered IT solutions that have had a major impact on the service quality and efficiency that Commerce delivers to its customers," Kemper continued. "For example, Commerce's recently implemented check imaging technology enhances customer service functionality in backroom operations, branches, online image delivery, and Online Banking," Kemper added. "Resolution of inquiries has dropped from three days to three seconds."

Now with nearly 35 years of management experience in finance and information systems, Cook came to Commerce Bank and Kansas City in 1999 with an MBA from West Coast University in Los Angeles. Prior to joining Commerce, Cook was the Executive Vice President and Network and Computer Services Division Manager for Banc One Services in Columbus, Ohio.

"We have aggressive information systems goals in order to continue to deliver the products our customers demand when and where they want them," said Bob Rauscher, Senior Vice President, Director, Operations and Information Technology, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. "Not only has Tom led his team to meet technology goals, but has helped Commerce meet its other business targets through his strategic leadership of Information Services," added Rauscher.

The complete list of Premier 100 IT Leaders can be found in the January 5, 2004 issue of Computerworld and online at www.computerworld.com. There is also a special section within the Computerworld's website explaining more about the list and the selection criteria. Computerworld defines an IT leader "as an individual who guides the effective use of information technology to improve his or her company's business performance. A Premier IT Leader can be a CIO, vice president, director or manager from a number of areas of the IT organization." The publication also lists other characteristics of IT leaders include the following: · Promotes an IT vision that supports the company strategy · Identifies strategic opportunities provided by IT · Thinks beyond short-term tactical needs to long-term strategic goals · Understands business needs and P/L responsibilities beyond IT departments · Ties technology and innovation to specific business needs and goals · Uses technology to gain an advantage over the company's competition · Takes calculated risks but have contingency plans in place · Learns from failure and using these experiences to improve IT processes and product · Hires inquisitive people who like to explore and are innovative · Creates work environments that are positive and rewarding to employees both inside and outside of work · Encourages staff to be innovative and come up with ideas · Motivates with recognition and opportunity, not just money · Compares best practices with peer companies · Leverages their technology vendors as partners · Develops leadership skills inside the IT organization · Is viewed as a leader by other executives and by the IT staff About Commerce Bank Commerce Bank is the principal subsidiary of Commerce Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH), a $13.6 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 banking locations and also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, credit related insurance, venture capital and real estate activities. For additional information, please visit www.commercebank.com or email mymoney@commercebank.com.

For more information contact:
Jeffery D. Aberdeen, Controller
(816) 234-2081

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

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