COMMERCE BANK ANNOUNCES EXPANSION IN BRANSON MARKET

Bank Signs Lease Agreement As Anchor Tenant Of New Branson Financial Center

Branson, MO - October 29, 2003 - John Himmel, chairman, Commerce Bank, Springfield Region, today announced the bank has reached a lease agreement with Cushman Properties, LLC, as the anchor tenant for Branson Financial Center, a premier, multi-tenant office building currently under construction in downtown Branson. Commerce Bank will operate a full-service banking center inside Branson Financial Center with lobby space for consumer and commercial banking, three drive-up banking lanes, and a 24 hour drive-up ATM. Bank officials estimate the branch will open for business in the second quarter of 2004.

"We are pleased to be a part of this exciting project," said Himmel. "The Branson market is important to Commerce Bank's regional presence in Southwest Missouri and we believe expanding to this prestigious location will clearly communicate that importance."

Commerce Bank, Springfield Region, operates 14 Banking Centers in Greene, Christian, Taney, Polk and Lawrence counties. The new Branson Financial Center location will serve as Commerce's main branch in Branson, substantially expanding the bank's presence from its current branch inside Jubilee Foods. Rob Johns, local Vice President and Branch Manager of Commerce Bank will continue as manager, with responsibilities for both locations.

"We are confident our new banking center will enhance the level of service and convenience Commerce offers to its growing customer base in Branson and Southwest Missouri," stated Johns. "We look forward to significantly expanding our presence and contributing to the vitality of the downtown business and retail community."

About Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
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 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:
Susan Phillips Kirkman
Regional Marketing Manager
417 837-5333

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

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