FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2006

NEW YORK, NY (August 29, 2006) - OPENING A NEW DAY - Executives of Hancock Holding Company, parent company of 107-year-old Hancock Bank, opened The NASDAQ Stock Market this morning, signaling a new day of trading at America's largest electronic stock market and a new era of opportunity for Gulf Coast communities affected by Hurricane Katrina. NASDAQ invited Hancock to ring the opening bell on the one-year anniversary of Katrina to honor Hancock's exceptional post-storm performance and exemplary leadership in recovery initiatives across the Gulf South. Pictured in NASDAQ's New York studio are (from left) Hancock Investor Relations Vice President Paul D. Guichet, Hancock CFO Carl Chaney, NASDAQ Managing Director Debra Robinson, Hancock CEO George A. Schloegel, NASDAQ President and CEO Bob Greifeld, and Hancock Corporate Treasurer Michael M. Achary.