NORMAN APPELMAN JOINS COMMERCE BANK

(ST. LOUIS, MO, October 31, 2001) - Commerce Bank, N.A. St. Louis announced that Mr. Norm Appelman has recently joined Commerce Bank as First Vice President in the Treasury Services division. In his new role with Commerce Bank, Mr. Appelman will accelerate the Treasury Services Large Corporate prospect calling program in St. Louis. He will also coordinate his experience and knowledge of the needs of the corporate business world with that of the Treasury Services offered by the Bank.

"Mr. Appelman's combined knowledge of current governing laws and regulations that affect cash flow, as well as new technology and practices make him a valuable addition to the Treasury Services department at Commerce Bank," said Kevin Connelly, Senior Vice President and Manager Commerce Bank's Treasury Services Division.

Mr. Appelman began his career in Treasury Services over 41 years ago with the Midland Finance Company. Then, he served as Vice President - Director of Bank Activities for ITT Financial Corporation for 17 years and subsequently, became a consultant to Deutsche Bank, where he advised customers on various treasury options and techniques.

Mr. Appelman has been a frequent speaker to national associations, corporations and other regional business associations. He has addressed the Federal Reserve's International Symposium on Payment Systems, which is attended by all of the industrialized world's central bankers. He is a charter member of the AFP (Association for Financial Professionals, formally known as the TMA and NCCMA). He also served on its Board of Directors for seven years, functioned as its president in 1984 and chaired the Association's Government Relations Committee in 1987.

In 1989, Mr. Appelman served as co-chairman of the NCCMA-NACHA (National Automated Clearing House Association) joint task force on wholesale ACH payments.

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:
Chris J. Winter
Regional Marketing Manager
314-746-3672

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

SYMBOL: CBSH

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