COMMERCE BANK PROMOTES MITCHELL TO VICE PRESIDENT

(CASSVILLE, MO April 25, 2002) -- Jon Horner, President, Commerce Bank, Barry County, announces the promotion of Debra Mitchell to Vice President. A Cassville native, Mitchell joined Commerce in 1974 and has served in a variety of capacities for the bank throughout her career with Commerce. In her current position as Branch Manager of the three Barry County Commerce locations, she is responsible for sales and customer service related to the bank's personal deposit and consumer loan products.

Mitchell is a charter member of Soroptimist International of Barry County and has served two terms as Treasurer for the organization.

About Commerce Bank
Commerce Bank is an affiliate of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Commerce Bancshares is a registered bank holding company with assets of $12.3 billion and affiliates 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:
Jon Horner
President
(417) 847-4111

or

Susan Kirkman
Regional Marketing Manager
(417) 837-5333

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