News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2003

Hancock Bank to break ground for Lincoln Road branch this Friday

GULFPORT, MS (September 2, 2003) - This Friday, September 5, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., a synchronized gold-shovel dirt toss will officially commence construction of another Pine Belt Hancock Bank as local community leaders and bank executives break ground for the company's new financial center at 2007 Lincoln Road in Hattiesburg.

Designed to replace an existing manufactured facility, the new 3,500-square-foot branch will accommodate traditional banking, commercial and consumer lending, mortgage, trusts and investments, and insurance services as well as safe deposit boxes. Additionally, the new Lincoln Road Hancock Bank will feature four drive-through banking lanes and a drive-up automated teller machine.

"We are very excited to expand our Lincoln Road office and to offer customers a larger, more comfortable state-of-the-art center where our financial experts can help individuals, families, and businesses choose the kinds of comprehensive, progressive financial solutions customers want and need," said Lincoln Road branch manager Jenifer Miles.

Miles said the company expects to complete construction of the Lincoln Road branch during first quarter 2004.

Hancock Holding Company, parent company of Hancock Bank (Mississippi) and Hancock Bank of Louisiana, has more than $4.1 billion in assets. Founded 1899, Hancock Bank consistently ranks as one of America's strongest, safest five-star financial institutions. Hancock Bank operates 102 full-service offices and more than 135 automated teller machines throughout South Mississippi and Louisiana as well as other subsidiaries Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, Hancock Mortgage Corporation, and Harrison Finance Company.

Additional corporate information and on-line banking and bill pay services are available at www.hancockbank.com.

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