SHAW RECEIVES THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. TRAILBLAZER AWARD FROM NAACP

(Columbia, MO – January 31, 2008) – Valerie Shaw, Executive Vice President, Commerce Bank, Retail Banking Central Missouri, recently received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Trailblazer Award. This award is given in recognition for service and contributions to the community in multiple aspects. Mary Ratliff, President Columbia Unit NAACP presented the local award to Valerie and stated, "Valerie is an all around community person. She reaches back to help those around her whether through her participation in the NAACP, her church or the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. she is always striving to help those around her."

Shaw serves as the current Treasurer for both the Columbia Unit and the Missouri Conference NAACP, is the event coordinator and participates in the back to school program mentoring young people. She stated, "I enjoy working in the community and find particular enjoyment in helping people of color and children." Additional community activities include being a member of the Columbia Kiwanis Club, The Chamber of Commerce, Women's Network, a United Way Fundraising Division Chair, and a Trustee for Second Missionary Baptist Church.

"We are so proud of Valerie’s’ service to the community," said Teresa Maledy, President, Commerce Bank, Central Missouri Region. "She is a valuable member of the Commerce team and we are delighted to see her contributions recognized."

About Commerce Bank

Commerce Bank, N.A. is a subsidiary of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH), a $16.2 billion regional bank holding company. For more than 140 years, Commerce Bank has been meeting the financial services needs of individuals and businesses. Commerce Bank provides a diversified line of financial services, including business and personal banking, wealth management and estate planning and investments through its subsidiary and affiliated companies. Commerce Bank currently operates in approximately 360 locations in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Oklahoma and Colorado. Commerce Bancshares also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, leasing, credit-related insurance, venture capital and real estate activities.