Hancock Bank symposium to spotlight 'spectrum' of economic opportunity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2005

Hancock Bank symposium to spotlight 'spectrum' of economic opportunity

GULFPORT, MS (February 9, 2005) - Wednesday, February 16, 2005, at the Hancock Bank Gulf Coast Economic Symposium, economic and business development experts will highlight the "Spectrum of Growth" that continues to nurture South Mississippi's evolution as regional powerhouse for economic vitality and Gulf South hothouse for corporate and small business success.

Slated to begin with a complimentary continental breakfast at 7:45 a.m., followed by the main program from 9:00 a.m. - noon, this year's 39th annual symposium features eminent national economist Edmond J. Seifried, Ph.D. ("Growing America: The Economic Outlook for 2005"); Mississippi Power Company Chief Executive Officer and Momentum Mississippi Chairman Anthony J. Topazi ("Growing Our State: Momentum of Opportunity"); and Roger Dow ("Growing Your Business: Invest in People), a former international sales executive with Marriott International, new CEO of the nation's premier travel industry organization, and a master at cultivating highly motivated, service-oriented workforces.

"Each year, we structure our program around issues pertinent to the area's ongoing economic development - the trends and the opportunities that affect all of us as we work to build a strong Gulf South economic infrastructure and maintain quality of life for all South Mississippians," said Hancock Bank President and CEO George A. Schloegel.

Since the mid-1960s, the Hancock Bank Gulf Coast Economic Symposium has served as a forum for some of South Mississippi's most influential business and civic leaders to garner exclusive, first-hand insights into conditions, initiatives, and partnerships shaping Gulf Coast growth and local, state, and national economies. Past symposium speakers have included some of the nation's most respected political figures, distinguished veteran executives of business and industry, prominent community development advocates, high-ranking military officials, and leading economic analysts.

Advance reservations are necessary to attend the symposium. A limited number of reserved seats are still available through the Hancock Bank corporate marketing department (phone 228-871-6348, fax 228-868-4480, or e-mail symposium@hancockbank.com) until February 14, 2005.

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 $4.7 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 130 automated teller machines throughout South Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle, as well as subsidiaries Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, Ross King Walker, and Harrison Finance Company.

Additional corporate information and online banking and bill-pay services are available on Hancock Bank's website.

speakers' photos and biographical sketches

program itinerary

response card

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