Commerce Bank/Harrisburg earnings continue to increase.

CAMP HILL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 1997--Commerce Bank/Harrisburg, N.A. (NASDAQ Small Cap Market, Symbol: COBH) reported Thursday that earnings in 1996 increased to $1,602,000 -- 9 percent more than at the end of 1995.

Bank Chairman Gary L. Nalbandian said Commerce was able to show a rise of $129,000 in net income while pursuing "an aggressive expansion" of its branch operations.

Commerce, which has five offices serving the Harrisburg area, opened its first two offices in York County last October and is planning to start construction of a third office in York and a third office in Cumberland County in the first half of this year.

Nalbandian said plans call for additional offices to be constructed annually for the foreseeable future.

"We consider Commerce to be America's most convenient bank," he said, "because of our seven-day banking, longer hours, free checking and our computer on-line and banking by phone services. The success of our branch operations shows the confidence consumers have in our type of operation."

Commerce also reported that total assets increased to $198 million in 1996 -- a gain of 24 percent over 1995. It also reported earnings per share of $1.25, down from $1.44 in 1995; total loans of $117 million, up 17 percent; and total deposits of $183 million, a 25 percent increase.

CONTACT: Commerce Bank/Harrisburg, N.A.

James T. Gibson, president & CEO, or

Mark A. Zody, senior VP & CFO, 717/975-5630