ERIC M. LOWELL JOINS COMMERCE BANK

(ST. JOSEPH, MO, October 30, 2001) - Commerce Bank announced that Mr. Eric M. Lowell has joined Commerce Bank as a Regional Investment Specialist in the Commerce Brokerage Service department. He is responsible for providing custom-tailored investment strategies based on client needs, goals and objectives. He is a member of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Lowell earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. Mr. Lowell resides in St. Joseph with his wife Lori.

Commerce Bank is a subsidiary of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., a registered bank holding company with assets of $12.3 billion offering a full line of banking services, including investment management and securities brokerage. The Company currently operates in 341 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:
Natasha Hanova
Marketing Specialist
(816) 234-1930

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

SYMBOL: CBSH

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