OLLIS JOINS COMMERCE BANK, SPRINGFIELD BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(SPRINGFIELD, MO, March 22, 2002) - John Himmel, Chairman, Commerce Bank, Springfield Region, announces the addition of Richard Ollis to the bank's regional advisory board of directors. Ollis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ollis Insurance, is a Springfield native, Southwest Missouri State University graduate and fourth generation insurance consultant specializing in business insurance.

With 17 years of experience in the insurance industry, Ollis has been recognized as Missouri's 1999 Chairman of the Year, and 1996 Young Agent of the Year. In addition to his involvement on the Commerce Bank board, he is Chairman-Elect of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the boards of Springfield Little Theatre, Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau and Safety Council of the Ozarks. He is also a veteran of the United States Navy.

"This year, 2002, is the 100th anniversary of our bank charter in Springfield," stated Himmel. "The addition of Richard Ollis to our board represents Commerce Bank's continued commitment to developing long-standing customer relationships, and ever deepening our roots in the Springfield community that we have served for a century."

Robert A. (Bob) Hammerschmidt, Jr., President, Commerce Bank, Springfield Region, also commented, "Through mutual civic involvement, I have seen first hand the perspectives on business and community that Richard brings to the table. We value his association with Commerce and look forward to his input on continuing to grow and expand banking relationships in Southwest Missouri."

About Commerce Bank
Commerce Bank is an affiliate of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Commerce Bancshares is a registered bank holding company with assets of $12.9 billion offering a full line of banking services, including investment management and securities brokerage. The Company currently operates in more than 340 locations in Missouri, Illinois and Kansas. The Company also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, credit related insurance, venture capital and real estate activities.

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For further information contact:
Susan Phillips Kirkman
Vice President, Regional Marketing Manager
(417) 837-5333

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