COMMERCE BANK PROMOTES LYNCH TO BRANCH MANAGER, BOLIVAR BANKING CENTERS

(SPRINGFIELD, MO, April 9, 2002) -- Bob Moreland, Community President, Commerce Bank, Bolivar, announces the promotion of Sherry Lynch to Retail Banking Officer and Branch Manager of its Bolivar Banking Centers. In her position, she is responsible for managing branch sales and customer service related to the bank's personal deposit and consumer loan products.

Lynch, a Polk County native, has 11 years of banking experience with Commerce and, prior to her promotion, served as Branch Manager for the Commerce Bank SMS Banking Center on the Southwest Missouri State University campus in Springfield. A Bolivar resident, she is currently pursuing a degree in Finance from SMS.

Lynch is located at the Bolivar Main Banking Center, 2370 S. Springfield.

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 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:
Bob Moreland
Community President, Bolivar
(417) 326-2477

or

Susan Kirkman
Regional Marketing Manager
(417) 837-5333

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