News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2003

Lighting Up the Big Apple: Hancock CEO opens NASDAQ

LIGHTING UP THE BIG APPLE (May 15, 2002) - Hancock Bank executives joined NASDAQ officials to lead this morning's NASDAQ stock market opening aired during many national network and local affiliate news reports. The bankers' New York visit coincides with Hancock management's nationwide efforts to promote Hancock Holding Company stock and Gulf South economic development. Pictured (from left) are Hancock Bank's chief financial officer Carl J. Chaney, FTN Financial Securities analyst Peyton Green, and Hancock president and chief executive officer George A. Schloegel, who rang today's opening bell. (Photo by Alan Perlman, The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc., © Copyright 2003. Reprinted with the permission of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.)

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, AVP, Corporate Communications
1.800.522.6542 (x. 85252) or 228.214.5252
Paul D. Guichet, VP, Investor Relations
1.800.522.6542 (x. 85242) or 228.214.5242