VERI JOINS COMMERCE BANK AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, COMMERCIAL LOAN MANAGER

Clive C. Veri, Jr., brings over 16 years of financial services experience and strong sense of community commitment to the post

JOPLIN, MO - July 2, 2002 - Fred Osborn, community president of Commerce Bank, Joplin, today announced that Clive C. Veri, Jr., Joplin banker, civic leader and 16-year-industry executive, has joined Commerce Bank as Executive Vice President and Commercial Loan Manager. In his position, Veri will have responsibility for overseeing business development and customer service related to Commerce's commercial lending and business banking services.

"We are extremely pleased to attract an officer of Clive's caliber to join our senior management team at Commerce Bank," said Osborn. "His professional achievements, emphasis on commercial banking and strong civic involvement fit our culture and core values."

A seasoned banking professional, Veri's background includes key management and officer positions with national and regional banks in Southwest Missouri, Southern Ohio and Chicago suburban communities. Prior to joining Commerce, he served as Joplin Area Market President for a national bank.

Veri actively participates and holds leadership positions in several area organizations including the United Way of Southwest Missouri where he serves on the board as second vice president, executive committee member and chairman of the Success by Six program.

Additionally, he is active with the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce serving as board member of the Joplin Business and Industrial Development Corporation, past member of the Existing Industries Committee and Leadership Joplin alumnus.

"I am particularly pleased to continue my career here with my family and join an organization like Commerce that exhibits such a strong commitment to its customers and community," stated Veri. "I look forward to working with Fred and our strong team of bankers to build on the success and momentum that has been developed."

Veri earned a B.A. in Economics, graduating with honors from University of Illinois, Urbana/Champagne, Illinois, in 1986. He also received a Graduate Degree in Banking from Graduate School of Banking, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.

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 330 locations and also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, credit related insurance, venture capital and real estate activities.

For more information contact:
Fred Osborn
Community President, Joplin
(417) 626-4037

or

Susan Kirkman
Regional Marketing Manager
(417) 837-5333

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

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