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

COLUMBIA, MO - September 19, 2002 - Teresa Rouse Maledy, president of Commerce Bank, Central Missouri Region, today announced that Charles "Brett" Burri, Columbia banker and 22-year financial services industry executive, has joined Commerce Bank as Executive Vice President and Commercial Loan Manager. In his position, Burri 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 Brett's caliber to join our senior management team at Commerce Bank," said Maledy. "His professional achievements, emphasis on commercial lending and strong focus as a community banker fit our culture and core values."

A seasoned banking professional, Burri's background includes key management and officer positions with national and regional banks in Missouri and Kansas. Prior to joining Commerce, he served as President and Columbia Area Market Manager for a national bank.

Burri is active with civic and charitable organizations serving as board member, Regional Economic Development, Inc. (REDI); president, Columbia Community Development Corporation; member, Columbia Chamber of Commerce; and past chairman, Boy Scouts of America Friends of Scouting Campaign.

Burri earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Missouri Western State College, St. Joseph, in 1984. Additionally, he holds numerous diplomas from institutions including Graduate School of Banking and National School of Real Estate Finance, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI; and National Consumer Credit School and National Consumer Lending School, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK.

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:
Teresa Rouse Maledy
President, Central Missouri Region
573 886-5200

Susan Kirkman
Regional Marketing Manager
417-837-5333

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

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