Commerce Bank Expands 'Camp Business'; Two Summer Sessions Offered for Popular Business Education Program for High Schoolers.

Business Editors

CHERRY HILL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 21, 2003

Commerce Bank (NYSE Symbol:CBH) is expanding the scope of "Camp Business -The Learning Journey" for a second consecutive year. Camp Business is a summer program designed to give metro Philadelphia high school students an intensive introduction to collegiate business education, and show them that business is both fun and exciting.

In response to growing interest from students, regional secondary schools, counselors and teachers, Commerce and the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University this year are conducting two sessions to accommodate 100 outstanding high school students who will participate. The sessions will run from July 24 to August 7, and again from August 7 to 21.

Camp Business is an integral component of Commerce Bank's leadership in practical education for young people. A satisfied Camp Business alumnus (class of 2002) agrees: "It's a great learning experience that provides knowledge and teaches more than just business skills. It teaches life lessons."

At each of the two sessions, the students from the eight-county metropolitan Philadelphia area will take part in lively discussions and an assortment of engaging activities. The activities have been specially designed to spark creativity, develop decision-making skills, and reinforce the concept that the business world offers myriad exciting and profitable career opportunities.

"Camp Business: The Learning Journey" will be conducted at Commerce University in Mt. Laurel, N.J., and at the Drexel University campus in West Philadelphia.

Students will work closely with professionals from Commerce University, the bank's renowned training facility, and with Drexel faculty, to explore accounting, marketing, finance, management and leadership, and to learn the role technology plays in business. In addition, they will interact daily with successful executives who will offer career guidance and provide up-to-the-minute insights regarding current job, business and economic trends.

Again this year, any student completing the Camp Business program will be given an opportunity to work at Commerce Bank, a commitment made personally by Vernon W. Hill II, Chairman and President of Commerce.

"Commerce Bank is pleased to offer Camp Business with the LeBow College of Business, a like-minded partner in the practical education of students utilizing state-of-the-art technology and forward-thinking innovations," says Hill. "Incorporating specialized training and input from Commerce Bank senior executives of our Commerce University will make this camp a unique learning experience for outstanding students. We want to show them that the business world is fun and exciting."

Through the highly interactive curriculum, which was developed by Commerce University and Drexel, teams of students will apply their knowledge to a business case study and present their conclusions before a panel of executives at the conclusion of the camp. Each member of the winning team in each session will receive a laptop computer through funding supplied by Camp Business sponsor Commerce Bank. Second place team members will receive Palm Pilots through funding supplied by the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University.

About Commerce Bank

Commerce Bank, "America's Most Convenient Bank," is a leading retailer of financial services with more than 240 convenient stores in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. In 2003, the bank plans to add 46 new locations and will create 1,800-plus career opportunities throughout its territory. Maintaining an aggressive expansion pace, Commerce Bank is working toward a total asset goal of $50 billion and a store network of 500-plus offices by 2007. Commerce Bank currently has assets exceeding $19 billion and, in second quarter 2003, achieved a deposit increase of 44% and earnings per share growth of 29%. In March 2003, The Wall Street Journal reported that Commerce Bank achieved the highest annual compounded shareholder return among all banks and ranked 25th among 1,000 public companies with the highest 10-year compounded shareholder return. For more information about Commerce, please visit the company's interactive financial resource center at commerceonline.com.

For session schedules, course descriptions and student lists, call Sandra R. Martin, Manager of Public Relations, at [phone], ext. 7175, or email [e-mail].