ST. JOSEPH RIVERFRONT CORPORATION RECEIVES $25,000 GRANT FOR A MONUMENT TO "THE JOURNEY WEST"

St. Joseph, MO - October 23, 2003 - The St. Joseph Riverfront Corporation announced a $25,000 grant from the William T. Kemper Foundation, Commerce Bank, Trustee. The grant will support a monument titled "The Journey West", a sculpture commemorating St. Joseph's unique history in the westward migration of the settlers during the mid-1800's.

"We are grateful to be able to contribute to a project that pays tribute to St. Joseph's remarkable past," said Emil Sechter, President, Commerce Bank. "This city has greatly contributed to the history of the West, and it is wonderful to see that contribution memorialized by such a great project." Sechter made the presentation to the St. Joseph Riverfront Corporation on behalf of the Kemper Foundation.

Herb Mignery was selected by a panel of judges to create the sculpture for St. Joseph. Mignery is a member of the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America and National Sculpture Society. He has also been the recipient of the Gold, Silver and Bronze awards from the Cowboy Artists of America.

The sculpture will be installed at the St. Joseph Entry Park, 3rd and Edmond, in June, 2004. This date coincides with the annual Trails West festival. The St. Joseph Riverfront Corporation will construct a streetscape where the sculpture will be located.

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 $13.6 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 operates across three states with approximately 330 locations and also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, credit related insurance, venture capital and real estate activities.

For more information contact:
Jill Swords
Regional Marketing Representative
816-234-2308

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

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