COMMERCE BANK PROMOTES SOWERS TO VICE PRESIDENT, COMMERCIAL LENDING

(COLUMBIA, MO, April 04, 2002) - Stephen E. Erdel, President, Commerce Bank, Mid-Missouri Region, announces that Steve Sowers, II, has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Lending Division. Sowers, a former golf professional, joined Commerce Bank in 1997. He will continue to focus on business development and customer service related to the bank's commercial lending and banking services.

Sowers is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He is actively involved in community and civic organizations, including Partners in Education and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

About Commerce Bank
Commerce Bank is an affiliate of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., a registered bank holding company with approximately $12.9 billion in assets and more than 340 locations in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois. The company operates 11 banking centers in Central Missouri in Columbia, Mexico, Moberly, Tipton and California.

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For further information contact:
Steve Erdel, President & CEO
Commerce Bank, Mid-Missouri Region
(573) 886-5200

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