FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2008

GULFPORT, MS (April 21, 2008) - Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC) announced today that Hancock Bank Fund Portfolio Manager and Director of Equities David Lundgren will present during Tulane University's BURKENROAD REPORTS Investment Conference on Friday, April 25, 2008, 12:30 p.m., at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans (500 Canal Street).

During the conference, Lundgren will discuss the Hancock Horizon Burkenroad Fund, a small cap fund that invests in companies located or doing business in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The conference is open to the public, and admission is free.

Since inception, the Hancock Horizon Burkenroad Fund has had strong performance compared to the benchmark, returning 12.55 percent versus the Russell 2000's 6.98 percent. The fund utilizes Tulane University's BURKENROAD REPORTS and its own fundamental research and analysis.

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The gross total expense ratio for the Burkenroad Fund, Class A, is 1.82 percent; the net total expense ratio is 1.40 percent

To determine if this Fund is an appropriate investment for you, carefully consider the Fund's investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's prospectus, which may be obtained by calling 1-888-346-6300 or visiting www.hancockhorizonfunds.com. Please read it carefully before investing.

The Russell 2000 index is a capitalization weighted index which is comprised of 2000 of the smallest stocks. The Russell 2000 Index returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs or expenses. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Russell 2000 Index.

For more information about the Burkenroad Fund or other Hancock Horizon funds, investors can visit www.hancockhorizonfunds.com. More information about the BURKENROAD REPORTS program at Tulane University is accessible online at www.burkenroad.org.

About Hancock Bank

Hancock Holding Company - parent company of Hancock Bank Mississippi, Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Hancock Bank of Florida, and Hancock Bank of Alabama - has assets of approximately $6.1 billion. Bank subsidiaries include Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, and Harrison Finance Company. Founded October 9, 1899, Hancock Bank consistently ranks as one of the country's strongest, safest financial institutions according to Veribanc, Inc., and BauerFinancial Services, Inc. Additional corporate information and online banking are available at www.hancockbank.com.

- 30 -

FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, VP & Corporate Communications Manager
1.800.522.6542 or paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com