News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2005

Hancock Bank to celebrate Cedar Lake financial center grand opening

BILOXI, MS (June 22, 2005) - Friday and Saturday, Biloxians can enjoy a host of hometown favorites as bank officials, community leaders, and local residents hail the grand opening of South Mississippi's newest Hancock Bank financial center at 926 Cedar Lake Road, just seconds from the I-10 Cedar Lake exit.

According to branch manager Matt Perez, a Biloxi native, ribbon-cutting ceremonies slated for Friday, June 24, at 10:00 a.m. and a Summertime Celebration on Saturday, June 25, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. will spotlight local culture as Hancock debuts its new Cedar Lake facility - a 3,800-square-foot branch centered in one of Biloxi's fastest growing business and residential hubs.

"Although we've been welcoming customers to the branch for several weeks, Friday's ribbon cutting marks the official opening and includes a blessing by Bishop Thomas Rodi. We invite folks to join us on Saturday for complimentary Barq's root beer, shrimp, and fish prepared by the Biloxi Bacon Brigade. Kids can create their own pinch pots in the George Ohr tradition with help from Ohr-O'Keefe Museum artists and enjoy face-painting and a jumping machine," said Perez.

Perez said visitors to the branch can register to win a $1,100 Weber® grill grand prize to be given away on Saturday during a K99-FM live remote broadcast from the branch. Individuals who open Hancock Bank checking accounts will also have a chance Saturday to try for instant cash in an on-site money machine.

Reflecting the architectural standard for Hancock's new financial centers in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida, the Cedar Lake branch offers a comprehensive spectrum of full-service money management resources: traditional lobby banking; business and personal loans; insurance, trusts, investments, and wealth management; four drive-through teller lanes, including a drive-up commercial window; and a 24-hour drive-up ATM. Regular business hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

"The building itself gives our customers a new, comfortable, convenient location for their banking needs. However, the expertise and commitment of our local financial services team in helping customers find the right financial solutions make this new Hancock Bank especially bright," added Perez.

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 $4.8 billion. Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank consistently ranks among America's strongest, safest financial institutions. Hancock Bank operates 103 full-service offices and more than 140 automated teller machines throughout South Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle, as well as subsidiaries Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, and Harrison Finance Company. Additional corporate information or online banking and bill pay services is available online.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, VP & Corporate Communications Manager
(228) 214-5252 or 1.800.522.6542 (x.85252)
paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com