News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2008 (3:30 p.m.)

News Advisory

     GULFPORT, MS (September 1, 2008) - All Hancock Bank locations in Mississippi, southern Alabama, and Florida will open for business tomorrow, Tuesday, September 2, 2008.

     Hancock Bank of Louisiana officials anticipate opening generator-enabled Lighthouse branches and other locations beginning tomorrow after weather conditions allow the company's business continuity team to evaluate circumstances affecting customer and employee safety.

     Customers can access additional branch information, e-banking, and special updates at www.hancockbank.com or by calling the bank's toll-free customer service numbers:

• Hancock Bank Mississippi 1-800-448-8812
• Hancock Bank of Louisiana 1-800-256-4636
• Hancock Bank of Florida 1-800-726-0920
• Hancock Bank of Alabama 1-866-744-8801

     Bank officials ask that all Hancock employees call Alert24 for pre-recorded operations updates and the Disaster Recovery Hotline to report post-storm status and special needs.

     Hancock Bank currently operates 164 banking and financial services offices and more than 130 ATMs along an I-10 corridor market spanning Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida.

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For More Information

R. Paul Maxwell, VP & Corporate Communications Manager
1.800.522.6542 (x. 87953), 228.669.8182, or paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com