COMMERCE BANK EXPANDS PUBLIC FINANCE SERVICES AS INVESTMENT BANKING VETERAN DONALD A. ESTELL IS NAMED DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC FINANCE

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(St. Louis – July 14, 2009) – Commerce Bank is expanding its investment services in public finance with the addition of Donald A. Estell, who brings twenty six years of experience to his new role of Commerce Bank director of public finance. Estell will help to build the bank’s public finance business by working with clients throughout the Midwest, with special emphasis on Commerce’s two major markets – Kansas City and St. Louis.

Prior to joining Commerce, Estell spent twenty-one years as president and majority shareholder of a prominent regional investment banking firm that specializes in providing financial services to tax exempt borrowers.

In the past year, Estell consulted with notable clients, including the Missouri Health and Educational Facilities Authority, the University of Missouri System, and the St Louis County Industrial Development Authority.

"Commerce Bank recognizes the importance of expanding our company's services in public finance," said Robert Carr, president, Commerce Brokerage Services and Capital Markets Group. "Don will help Commerce provide innovative solutions in public finance for our clients throughout the Midwest."

Estell is a graduate of Missouri State University. He served as director of the Missouri Division of Commerce and Industrial Development (which later became the Department of Economic Development) where he was instrumental in developing early legislation encouraging economic development in Missouri. Estell is licensed as a General Securities Principal, a Municipal Securities Principal and a Registered Representative.

Estell serves on the Clayton Missouri Economic Development Advisory Committee. A former board member of Angel Flight Midwest, Estell serves as a volunteer pilot transporting people in need.

About Commerce Bank

Commerce Bank, N.A. is a subsidiary of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH), a $17.9 billion regional bank holding company. For more than 140 years, Commerce Bank has been meeting the financial services needs of individuals and businesses throughout the Midwest region. Commerce Bank provides a diversified line of financial services, including business and personal banking, wealth management and estate planning, and investments through its affiliated companies. Commerce Bank operates in 370 locations in the Central United States. Commerce Bancshares also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, leasing, credit-related insurance, venture capital and real estate activities.

For additional information contact:

Email:mymoney@commercebank.com†

News Source : COMMERCE BANK EXPANDS PUBLIC FINANCE SERVICES AS INVESTMENT BANKING VETERAN DONALD A. ESTELL IS NAMED DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC FINANCE