BOLIVAR NATIVE JOINS COMMERCE AS COMMERCIAL LOAN OFFICER

(BOLIVAR, MO - June 4, 2002) - Bob Moreland, community president, Commerce Bank, Bolivar, announces that Steve Henderson has joined Commerce Bank as commercial loan officer. In his position, Henderson is responsible for business development and customer service related to the bank's commercial lending and business banking services in Polk County.

Henderson is a Bolivar native and graduated from Bolivar High School in 1974. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, in 1978. His background includes more than 20 years of experience in banking and business and, prior to joining Commerce, he was owner/operator of Henderson Construction Company.

"We are extremely pleased to have a person of Steve's caliber join our community banking team in Bolivar," stated Moreland. "His business knowledge and financial services experience bring value to the customized lending and cash management solutions we offer to our customers in Polk County."

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.

For more 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

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