News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2006

Hancock Bank announces $35 million restoration of One Hancock Plaza

GULFPORT, MS (January 20, 2006 ) - As the Mississippi Gulf Coast rebuilds its economic infrastructure following Hurricane Katrina, 107-year-old Hancock Bank today officially launched a $35 million-plus restoration project designed to significantly upgrade the company's One Hancock Plaza corporate headquarters and help revitalize the downtown business district.

Bank senior executives and state economic development leaders unveiled renderings of the new One Hancock Plaza at the foot of the bank's 15-story corporate tower in the heart of downtown Gulfport. The restored complex will include approximately 30,000 square feet of class-A office space for lease, hurricane resistant features exceeding current building code standards, and additional green space to re-establish the locale as a hub of downtown community activity.

"Hurricane Katrina dealt our Mississippi Gulf Coast a tremendous blow. However, by continuing to work together, we can build a bright future through well-planned revitalization of our communities, including our downtowns. For more than 300 years, Coastians have turned adversities into opportunities. Hancock Bank commits this investment in downtown Gulfport as a testament to the amazing resilience of South Mississippi's people," said Hancock Bank Chief Financial Officer Carl J. Chaney. One Hancock Plaza South Facade

One Hancock Plaza South Facade

Hancock will also replace heating and cooling systems with more advanced, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly climate control technology and install new elevators - including a fifth elevator for freight, refurbished lobbies, and new restroom facilities. Additionally, Hancock plans to construct 120 new parking spaces at the Harbor Square parking garage located on the northwest side of the property and enhance the adjacent plaza as a downtown park with grassy areas and water features.

"Our goal is to create an attractive, safe gathering place for our business people and citizens to enjoy the unique beauty of our Gulf Coast," said John M. Hairston, Hancock's chief operations officer.

Dedicated in 1981, One Hancock Plaza suffered considerable damage from Katrina's wind and rain as well as approximately two feet of tidal surge in the main lobby and parking deck. However, during the storm, the concrete and steel infrastructure performed as originally designed and remains completely sound. Restoration plans call for $4 million in high-impact missile resistant windows throughout the building and a new roofline designed to withstand high winds.

One Hancock Plaza North Facade

The new cap and updated facades will enhance the vista from all approaches to downtown Gulfport.

"The Hancock Bank logo includes a beacon. As you approach Gulfport from any direction, the lights of the Hancock Bank building help you find your way. If you're on your boat headed to shore through rough waters, the light of Hancock Bank leads you toward safe harbor. Hancock Bank has guided the Coast and Gulfport toward many opportunities over the years. We thank Hancock Bank for this restoration project, a beacon that will help light the way for a vital new downtown business district," said Gulfport Mayor Brent Warr.

Warr added that the bank was the first financial institution in downtown Gulfport to reopen after 1969's Camille and after Katrina. He applauded the company's dedication to the downtown community as well as bank officers' roles in growing the greater Gulf Coast area. Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Leland Speed said political decision-makers and individuals outside the storm affected areas must see the Coast to fully understand the unbelievable devastation the region suffered from Katrina.

One Hancock Plaza Courtyard

"All of you - the people of South Mississippi - through your strength and hard work will make opportunities happen. Hancock Bank's announcement is a pivotal moment in the Coast's recovery and paves the way for Gulfport to be a center of development," said Speed.

Mississippi Economic Council President Blake Wilson lauded Hancock Bank for leadership in the economic growth of the Coast and in the post-Katrina recovery effort. "The Coast has been and will again be an electromagnet for opportunity. Our state thanks the people of South Mississippi and Hancock Bank for their courage and commitment to rebuilding and renewal," said Wilson. One Hancock Plaza Entrance

One Hancock Plaza Entrance

Grace & Hebert Architects, APAC, designed the new One Hancock Plaza, and Roy Anderson Corporation serves as the general contractor. Hancock Bank officials anticipate completing the One Hancock Plaza restoration by late August 2006.

Founded in 1899 and recognized as one of America's strongest, safest financial services institutions, Hancock Bank operates 103 branches and more than 140 automated teller machines in South Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle. Subsidiaries include Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency and its divisions of J. Everett Eaves and Ross King Walker , and Harrison Finance Company. Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC) - 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 online.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, VP & Corporate Communications Manager
228.822.4075 or paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com