ELLIOTT JOINS COMMERCE AS VICE PRESIDENT

(PITTSBURG, KS, June 5, 2002) - Wendell Wilkinson, community president, Commerce Bank, Pittsburg, announces that Jeffrey G. Elliott has joined the bank as vice president and commercial loan officer. Elliott has more than 16 years of experience in business and banking. He served ten years as vice president and commercial loan officer for a national bank holding company with offices in Pittsburg, and prior to joining Commerce, was a partner and agent with Dulaney, Johnston and Priest Insurance.

"We are extremely pleased to have Jeff join our banking team," said Wilkinson. "He is an experienced lender with a long history of involvement in the community."

Elliott actively participates and has held leadership positions in several area organizations including: president, Pittsburg Noon Rotary Club; board member, Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Crawford County; USD#250 Foundation, Elm Acres Youth and Family Services, Inc., Pittsburg Main Street, Inc., and Crestwood Country Club. He has also been involved in a number of youth activities including YMCA, Cub Scouts and J.L. Hutch.

Elliott attended both Pittsburg State University and the University of Kansas, Lawrence, to earn his B.S. degree in Business Administration in 1985. In 1991, he received his MBA from Pittsburg State University.

About Commerce Bank
Commerce Bank is the principal subsidiary of Commerce Bancshares Inc (NASDAQ: CBSH), a $12.3 billion regional bank holding company. For more than 135 years, Commerce has been meeting the financial services needs of individuals and businesses. Commerce provides a diversified line of financial services, including business and personal banking, wealth management and estate planning and investments through its affiliated companies. Commerce Bancshares operates across three states with more than 340 location and also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, credit related insurance, venture capital and real estate activities.

For more information contact:
Susan Kirkman
Regional Marketing Manager
(417) 837-5333

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

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