COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. ANNOUNCES OFFICER PROMOTION

(Kansas City, MO April 1, 2002) - The Board of Directors of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. announced the following officer promotion.

Martha DeLozier has been promoted to Vice President, Commerce Bancshares Small Business Banking. DeLozier is a senior small business loan underwriter and supervises the small business loan processors. She has 21 years of experience in the small business banking area. DeLozier is a member of the Clay County Women's Exchange and served as Treasurer in 1999 and 2000 and then as Secretary in 2001. Additionally, DeLozier was a board member of the Platte County Economic Development Council from 1997 through 1999.

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:
Eliza Hamlet
Public Relations Representative
(816) 234-1930

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