News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2005

Hancock Bank Christmas Club payments light up post-hurricane holidays

GULFPORT, MS (November 17, 2005 ) - Another record year of Hancock Bank Christmas Club disbursements may help brighten the holidays for hundreds of Gulf South residents rebuilding homes, businesses, and lives following the early fall devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

With the roar of bulldozers and the financial challenges of post-storm recovery likely to compete with the joviality of many traditional community celebrations, Hancock Bank executives hope distribution of more than $ 7.7 million in Christmas Club savings will boost local economies and give customers in storm-affected areas a respite from money worries.

"This year, our total Hancock Bank Christmas Club disbursements grew almost 6 percent from 2004 and represent a six-year record. We believe our Christmas Club customers can use these funds to enjoy the holidays, lessen the financial burdens the storms may have caused, and jump-start an economic renaissance across the region," said Hancock Bank President and Chief Executive Officer George A. Schloegel.

Schloegel added that more than 13,400 Hancock customers in South Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida participated in the bank's 2005 Christmas Club program, a considerable increase from last year's 12,000-plus Christmas Club savers.

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 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 2006 deposits to existing accounts now without opening new accounts.

Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank stands as one of America's strongest, safest financial institutions. Hancock Holding Company - the parent company of Hancock Bank Mississippi, Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Hancock Bank of Florida, and Magna Insurance Company - has assets of $4.91 billion. Additional corporate information and online banking services are available at online.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, VP & Corporate Communications Manager
228.563.7427 or paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com