SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
|X| Filed by the Registrant |_| Filed by a Party other than the Registrant Check
the appropriate box:
|_| Preliminary Proxy Statement
|_| Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
|_| Definitive Proxy Statement
|_| Definitive Additional Materials
|X| Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule Rule 14(a)-12
FIRST COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
|X| No fee required.
|_| Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14(a)-6(i)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
|_| Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
|_| Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount
previously paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement no.:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 Progress Edition
First National Bank of McCook
108 West D Street
P.O. Box 1388
McCook, NE 69001
www.fnbmc.com
(308) 345-1575
Contact: Julie Ann Gillespie
The First National Bank of McCook renewed its focus on growth and customer
service in 1999. Total assets increased at fiscal year-end by 3% to $97,222,484.
President and CEO Mark Jepson commented, "we continue to see ample lending
opportunities and excellent deposit growth in the area. We are very excited
about the future." First National Bank has grown 31.22% over the last 5 years,
or an average of over 6% a year. "We have been able to achieve reasonable
growth, while focusing our attention on improving asset quality. Through the
excellent guidance and management of Bill Burton, we have improved asset quality
to its strongest level in 20 years." Jepson said. The recent success of the bank
can be attributed to several important factors, including product development,
geographic expansion and excellent customer service.
Our commitment to customer convenience through the use of technology took
several additional steps forward in 1999, enabling many of our customers to gain
greater control over their finances. Our Internet banking product was enhanced
to allow customers to electronically access and transfer funds, download
statements, and pay bills 24-hours a day. Being the area technology leader in
banking and brokerage services has been our commitment since 1995. We were the
first local bank to accept loan applications over the web (1997); the first to
provide account access (1999) and this year the first to provide automated tax
filing through Quicken Turbo Tax for the Websm product. The tax preparation
product was named "easiest to use and most helpful" by Money Magazine in January
1999. "We've added 165 Internet banking customers over the last nine months and
our goal is to triple that number in 2000 and to continue to add the services
and support that our customers have come to expect." Jepson said.
The bank continued its expansion in Kansas and eastern Colorado, with total
assets in the Burlington, Colorado area growing to $6,195,285 and deposit growth
of $1,904,913. First National Bank's Goodland, Kansas office generated loan
growth of 74%, with total loans of $5,045,409. We continue to see our
agricultural customer base expand in the Kansas and Colorado markets. The
expansion is due to a variety of factors including the hard work of team members
Mark Weber, Glenda Smith, Merlyn Stasser and Tammy Franz. Jepson commented, "We
have exceeded our expectations by passing breakeven levels in both offices in 18
months." The momentum continues to build as farmers get to know us and continue
to use the technology we have implemented to bridge the significant distances
that separate McCook from our other locations. The competitive advantage the
technology provides us is striking." The First National Bank of McCook is
committed to bringing the same customer convenience to businesses and
agribusiness that Internet banking has brought to our personal banking and small
farm customers. With the introduction of our Commercial Cash Management product,
First Commerce Banker, our business and agribusiness customers are now using our
solutions to automate their payroll, improve efficiency, increase productivity
and effectively manage their cash.
Perhaps, our greatest progress in 1999 came in our Retail Investment area under
the leadership of registered investment representative, Sharleen Crowe. In her
first full year of operation, Sharleen had an exceptional year with over
$5,600,000 in new business. This resulted in an increase in gross income to the
bank of over 300%. Jepson commented, "Sharleen has, in a very short period of
time, become a truly invaluable member of our team. She has excellent rapport
with her customers and is building a solid record of accomplishment by combining
excellent advice with competitive returns."
The First National Bank of McCook continued its home lending with the creation
of a new first-time homebuyer program. The bank awarded $10,825 in the past year
with down payment and closing cost assistance. Customers who participated in and
qualified for the program where able to purchase their first home with as little
as $500 out-of-pocket in down payment money and closing costs. The First
National Bank of McCook worked in conjunction with local realtors to extend
grant money to moderate-income first-time homebuyers. The grant monies were
awarded to the bank by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. Vice President of
Residential Lending, John Clapp, and Residential Lending Assistant, Joni Knoll,
held a seminar to educate potential grant customers about buying their first
home. Five different families were able to purchase their first home for an
average benefit of $2,165. Clapp said, "First-time homebuyers are often able to
make the monthly payments but aren't able to come up with closing costs and down
payments.
Our grant program is one way to help these customers get into a home of their
own."
First National continues to be a significant supporter of the area through
community service and monetary support. Last year's contributions to local civic
and community causes totaled over $34,000.00. The bank and its team members
continue to be one of the largest United Way supporters in the area, giving over
$9,500 to the 1999 drive. Team members also give hundreds of hours to local
groups such as Leadership McCook, McCook Economic Development Corporation,
United Way, McCook Chamber of Commerce, American Heart Association, McCook
Rotary Club, McCook Lions Club, McCook Optimist Club and the American Cancer
Society. First National Bank of McCook is proud of its community and will
continue our commitment to community service and betterment.
We are not finished, however, working to help our customers grow and prosper.
Earlier this month we announced that later in 2000 we, along with our holding
company First Commerce Bancshares Inc., would be merging with Wells Fargo to
form Nebraska's second largest bank. We are excited about the opportunities the
merger presents for our team members and customers. President Jepson commented,
"We have spent several years positioning the First National Bank of McCook to be
the premier financial services company in the area. Now we are joining forces
with a national powerhouse who is first in the nation in agricultural lending,
small business lending, mortgage originations, insurance agency sales and online
financial services. The opportunities for our customers as part of the Wells
Fargo system are truly exciting. I am confident our new partner will carry on
the First National Bank of McCook's 115 year history of exceptional service,
community commitment and product delivery."
We urge shareholders of First Commerce and other investors to read the proxy
statement/prospectus that will be included in the registration statement on Form
S-4 to be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger because it
will contain important information. After it is filed with the SEC, the proxy
statement/prospectus will be available for free, both on the SEC's website
(www.sec.gov) and from First Commerce's and Wells Fargo's respective corporate
secretaries. In addition, the identity of people who, under SEC rules, may be
considered participants in the solicitation of First Commerce's shareholders in
connection with the proposed merger, and a description of their interests, is
available in SEC filings under Schedule 14A made by First Commerce on February
2, 2000.
- --------
sm