News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11 , 2003

Hancock Bank Eunice branch to celebrate new look, services

EUNICE, LA (November 11, 2003 ) - With a facility facelift almost doubling building size and a full spectrum of financial services, Hancock Bank's Westgate office at 2250 West Laurel Avenue in Eunice will host a special hospitality week November 17 - 21, 2003, to fête the branch's new look and the convenient full-service options available to residents of Louisiana's "Prairie Cajun Capitol."

During the celebration week, visitors to the branch can enjoy complimentary refreshments each day from 9:00 a.m. until noon and can register to win a daily giveaway featuring a gift certificate from a local businesses as well as a grand-prize drawing on Friday, November 21.

Originally a 2,730 square-foot structure, Hancock's Eunice branch now includes more than 4,400 square feet of lobby and new offices for Hancock Bank's team of local financial experts. Eunice branch manager Leslie Zaunbrecher said the expanded branch features more space for bankers to meet with customers and private rooms for financial management consultations.

"We're excited to provide customers a more comfortable, convenient place to learn about Hancock's comprehensive line of financial products and services - traditional banking, consumer and commercial loans, business services, mortgage services, trusts, investments, and insurance, " said Zaunbrecher. "Additionally, our branch offers safe deposit boxes, Saturday drive-through teller service, and a 24-hour drive-up ATM."

The Hancock Bank Westgate office serves individuals and businesses throughout Eunice, including customers of the bank's former Second Street office, which Hancock recently consolidated with the Westgate branch to enhance overall customer service and operations efficiency.

Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC) - parent company of Hancock Bank (Mississippi) and Hancock Bank of Louisiana - has assets of $4.1 billion. Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank operates 102 full-service offices and more than 135 automated teller machines throughout South Mississippi and Louisiana as well as subsidiaries Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, Hancock Mortgage Corporation, and Harrison Finance Company. Additional corporate information as well as on-line banking and bill pay services is available at www.hancockbank.com.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, AVP & Corporate Communications Manager
800.522.6542 (ext. 5252) or 228.214.5252
paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com