RICHARD LLOYD NAMED PRESIDENT OF COMMERCE BANK IN HARRISONVILLE

HARRISONVILLE, MO - February 2, 2004 - Richard Lloyd, 23-year industry veteran, has been named President of Commerce Bank. In his position, Lloyd will oversee the Commerce Bank of Harrisonville operations including retail, commercial, trust and investment services. Connie Aversman will continue to serve as Board Chairman for Harrisonville and Regional Manager for Commerce Bank.

"We are very fortunate to have a team member of Richard's quality to lead Commerce Bank in Harrisonville," said Connie Aversman, Chairman of the Board, Commerce Bank. "He brings to the position a proven track record of business development and customer service that will enable him to provide the trusted financial support our customers expect."

"Twenty-three years ago, I started my banking career in the management trainee program. Since that time I have opened every type of account and made almost every type of loan including business and agriculture," said Lloyd. "I have been integral in this industry and know what it takes to run a successful community bank."

Lloyd has served as President with Commerce Bank in Columbus, Kansas until his recent promotion to Commerce Bank in Harrisonville. "I am excited about making this move to Harrisonville." said Lloyd. "It is a growing area and has such a great community spirit. My family and I want to be a part of a community like this, a community with its own identity. I also look forward to working with the experienced and highly professional Harrisonville Commerce Bank staff."

Previously Lloyd was the President of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Columbus Community Foundation and actively involved in committees and leadership related to the hospital in Columbus. "I can't wait to become an integral part of the Harrisonville community," said Lloyd. " Both my wife and I plan to quickly become active in Harrisonville."

Lloyd and his wife Michelle have been married for 24 years. The Lloyd's have three children Christi, who is 23 and attending Tulane University Law School, David, who is 18 and attending the University of Missouri-Rolla and Matthew who is 12 will be attending Harrisonville Middle School.

About Commerce Bank
Commerce Bank is the principal subsidiary of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH), a $14.3 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 operates across three states with approximately 330 locations and also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, credit related insurance, venture capital and real estate activities.

For more information contact:
Jill Swords
Regional Marketing Representative
816-234-2308

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

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