HELEN GALLOWAY RECEIVES COMMERCE BANK COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

WICHITA, Kan. - November 26, 2003 - Helen Galloway was awarded the 2003 Community Service Award sponsored by Commerce Bank at a luncheon held on Tuesday, November 18. Grants funded by the William T. Kemper Foundation and Commerce Bancshares Foundations were given in Galloway's name totaling $6,500 in part to the Women of Wichita Charitable Foundation, Inc. and the Wichita Center for the Arts, Inc.

Marilyn Pauly, Commerce Bank Vice-Chairman, presented the service award and grants. "Helen exemplifies the community spirit we seek when making this award. Her dedication to serving the organizations that help sustain our community, makes her an ideal choice for this award."

Helen Galloway is well known for her many contributions to the community. She is a successful businesswoman, having founded The First Place, Wichita's finest gift and jewelry retailer, thirty years ago.

Despite her demanding professional schedule, she has always found time to volunteer for countless causes which enhance the lives of others. She is the founder of The Women of Wichita Charitable Foundation, Inc., and continues to serve as its president. She is a member of the board of directors of The Wichita Center for the Arts, Inc., Kansas Foodbank Warehouse, Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sedgwick County, Via Christi Foundation, Literacy Resources/Metro Area, Metropolitan Ballet of Wichita, American Diabetes Association and Opera Kansas. She is active in East Heights Methodist Church and is married to Jay Galloway. She has two daughters, Buff Hukle and Kara Haverty and four grandchildren.

"This is an honor that someone receives only once in a lifetime. I am proud to receive this and grateful to the William T. Kemper Foundation and Commerce Bancshares Foundation for their generous gifts to Women of Wichita and The Center for the Arts."

The Women of Wichita Charitable Foundation, Inc. (WOW) was founded by Helen Galloway as a way to demonstrate the impact which a group can make on the community. Each of the approximately 65 members contributes $1,000 annually to WOW and the group then votes on capital projects to be supported. Some of the diverse organizations having received support include The Wichita Children's Home, Kansas Foodbank Warehouse, Kansas Humane Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the WSU Foundation.

The Wichita Center for the Arts, Inc. was originally founded as the Wichita Art Association in 1920. It is the area's oldest and most comprehensive visual and performing arts organization. For over 80 years, the center has made art and art education available to the citizens of Wichita and the surrounding communities. The Center offers a gallery with annual exhibits, showcasing regional and national artists and provides numerous educational opportunities.

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, Advisory Board members and other representatives from the community.

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:
Debbie Harding
Regional Marketing Manager
316-261-4717

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

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