Reopening of downtown Hancock Bank Financial Center
another sign of Coast renewal

		GULFPORT, MS (November 29, 2006) - Gleaming woodwork, crystal-clear walls, imported tiles, and the bright, familiar smiles of local banking experts reflect another leap toward the Gulf Coast's post-Katrina recovery as Hancock Bank reopened its completely remodeled One Hancock Plaza Financial Center in downtown Gulfport's central business district this month. The transformation features a contemporary, upscale design. However, bank executives view the downtown branch as a shining tribute to South Mississippians' deeply rooted resilience and Hancock associates' unwavering dedication to a 107-year-old corporate ideology that comprises commitment to service and teamwork.
BRIGHT DOWNTOWN - Hancock Bank President and CEO George A. Schloegel (right) welcomes Long Beach resident Shirley Peyton to Hancock Bank's newly reopened first-floor financial center at One Hancock Plaza in downtown Gulfport. The fully refurbished branch marks completion of the first phase of a multi-faceted, $35 million post-Katrina restoration project that makes One Hancock Plaza - Hancock Bank's corporate headquarters - an icon for South Mississippi rebuilding and renewal. Hancock Bank will host ribbon-cutting ceremonies and a holiday open house at the first-floor financial center on December 21, 2006. (photo by Bob Collins).

"Our reopening the Hancock Bank branch in One Hancock Plaza is a direct credit to the continued confidence of our shareholders and customers, the commitment of our construction crews, and the sheer determination of our associates to help revitalize downtown after Hurricane Katrina," said Hancock Bank President and Chief Executive Officer George A. Schloegel.

During the past 14 months, countless teams of Hancock associates, architects, designers, and construction specialists have worked around the clock to restore the severely storm-damaged One Hancock Plaza as a glistening hub of downtown commerce. The company expects departments and tenants to reoccupy the remaining floors of Hancock's 15-story corporate headquarters gradually during the next three months, with restoration of the entire complex completed during first quarter 2007.

"Because of our associates, we were able to resume serving our downtown customers within a month after Katrina at a temporary branch in the same historic building Hancock Bank first occupied in 1939. Now, our Hancock family is very pleased to welcome customers and business partners to a brand new One Hancock Plaza full-service financial center," added Schloegel, who began his Hancock Bank career 50 years ago as a mailroom runner.

Hancock plans to celebrate an official ribbon-cutting and holiday open house at the first-floor financial center on December 21, 2006. Re-dedication ceremonies for One Hancock Plaza will likely coincide with Hancock Holding Company's annual meeting.

Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC) is the parent company of Hancock Bank (Mississippi), Hancock Bank of Louisiana, and Hancock Bank of Florida and has assets of more than $6 billion. Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank - the only financial services company headquartered in the Gulf South to rate among the top 20 percent of America's top performing banks - offers comprehensive financial solutions through more than 140 banking and financial services offices and more than 130 automated teller machines across South Mississippi, Louisiana, southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. Additional corporate information and online banking and bill pay services is available online.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, VP & Corporate Communications Manager
228.563.7953 or paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com