DR. JORGENSON JOINS COMMERCE BANK REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(MOBERLY, MO, March 27, 2002) - Steve Erdel, President, Commerce Bank, Midstate Region, and Tim Brubaker, Community President, Commerce Bank, Moberly, announce the addition of Evelyn Jorgenson, PhD, to the bank's Midstate regional advisory board of directors. Dr. Jorgenson, a resident of Moberly, is President of Moberly Area Community College (MACC), where her responsibilities include overseeing the effective management, development and growth of the college that serves approximately 3,200 college-credit students, 400 adult basic education students, 1,000 continuing education and business and industry students, and 175 employees. Fund raising, strategic planning, public relations, personnel management, instruction and accreditation are among additional initiatives she is responsible for in her role as President of the College.

Dr. Jorgenson received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Higher Education (Ph.D.) in 1996 and her Masters of Education degree (M.Ed.) in 1987, from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She also received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (B.F.A.) in 1976 from Columbia College, Columbia, and her Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) in 1972 from State Fair Community College in Sedalia.

Her honors and achievements are numerous and include: Who's Who in Executives and Professionals, 2001-2002; member, Missouri Advisory Council for the American Council on Education Network, 2000-2002; member, American Association of Community Colleges, Roundtable on Rural Community College Policy; Chair, Budget Committee, Missouri Community College Presidents and Chancellors Association, 1999, 2002; Regional winner, "Women At Their Best" Award, 1999; Distinguished Alumni, State Fair Community College, 1996; Who's Who in American Education, 1993; U.S. Secretary of Education's Award for Outstanding Adult Education Program, 1989; Outstanding Young Women of America, 1987, 1985.

"We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Jorgenson join our regional advisory board," stated Erdel. "We look forward to being the beneficiary of her keen insights as we strive to be the preferred provider of banking and financial services in Mid-Missouri. "

Tim Brubaker, Community President, Commerce Bank, Moberly, also commented, "I have seen first hand the perspectives on education, business and community that Dr. Jorgenson brings to the table. We value her association with Commerce and look forward to her input on continuing to grow and expand our banking services and community commitment to Moberly and Mid-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:
Steve Erdel, President,
Commerce Bank, Midstate Region,
(573) 886-5243

or

Tim Brubaker, Community President,
Commerce Bank, Moberly
(660) 263-0200

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