Hancock Bank pays out almost $7 million in Christmas Club funds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2006

Hancock Bank pays out almost $7 million in Christmas Club funds

GULFPORT, MS (November 13, 2006) - This season, a reassuring chorus of cash register rings should echo holiday prosperity throughout Gulf South retail districts as more than 12,000 Hancock Bank customers enjoy the collective purchasing power of nearly $7 million in Hancock Christmas Club savings.

Distributed last week on the cusp of the year's busiest shopping time, 2006 Hancock Bank Christmas Club disbursements totaled $6.98 million to 12,210 Hancock Bank customers in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida. With lower gas prices, some economic experts predict consumers will likely travel and spend more during the holidays. Hancock executives feel the savings plan will help strengthen local business communities and revitalize commerce and opportunity in areas still recovering from the impact of the 2005 hurricane season.

"We at Hancock Bank hope this year's Hancock Bank Christmas Club payments will brighten the holidays for families and businesses throughout the region and help grow our local economies," said Hancock Bank President and Chief Executive Officer George A. Schloegel.

Hancock has offered its Christmas Club savings program as a customer service since 1914 without interruption, excluding a period during World War I when savings were converted to Liberty Bonds. By choosing to transfer regular payments from checking accounts, selecting payroll deduction, or making deposits at local branches, customers can use Christmas Club accounts to prepare for extra seasonal expenses. Christmas Club customers also enjoy the convenience, efficiency, and security of direct-deposit Christmas Club disbursements each year.

Customers can receive additional Christmas Club information or open new Christmas Club accounts at any Hancock Bank location. Current Christmas Club members can begin 2007 deposits to existing accounts now without opening new accounts.

Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC) - the parent company of Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Hancock Bank (Mississippi), and Hancock Bank of Florida - has assets of more than $6 billion. Hancock Bank stands among the strongest, safest financial institutions in the United States and is the only financial services company headquartered in the Gulf South to rate among the top 20 percent of America's top performing banks. Additional corporate information or on-line banking and bill pay services is available online.

— 30 —

FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, VP & Corporate Communications Manager
228.563.7953 or paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com