Memphis Companies Square Off for 2010 Annual Corporate Knowledge Bowl

Which Memphis business has the “brainiest” bunch of workers?

The distinguished title of “Smartest Company in Memphis” will go to the winner of the 13th Annual Corporate Knowledge Bowl. It will be held from September 13 – 17, 2010 at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, located at 3030 Poplar Ave. The theme of this year’s competition is the “Brainy Bunch.”

Local businesses participating in the bracket-style brain war will answer a list of questions on topics ranging from Current Events to Mythology, Politics to World Geography, and Sports to the Arts.

Commercial Appeal Reporter and Knowledge Bowl veteran John Beifuss said he has been participating in the event since it began. “We look forward to it,” Beifuss said. “It’s always fun.”

Among other previous winners like International Paper and Accredo Health Group, the newspaper has won the competition several times. Beifuss said he can answer why: “I guess, in theory, [the Commercial Appeal] should have an advantage because we’re dealing with facts all the time and trying to make sure they’re correct.”

Competition questions are researched and written by librarians from several branches throughout the city. East Shelby Branch librarian and researcher Jeanie Condo has been writing questions for the competition since it began. “I never know which subject I’m going to look up,” Condo said. “This year I tried to do more current events too so that everybody should be able to get something. We try to get a lot of different fields.”

Speaking for his company’s team, Beifuss said, “We always hope they’re not too many Civil War questions. We do better with Harry Potter than Civil War.”

The “brainiest” team of the bunch will receive a trophy and a year’s worth of bragging rights, but event organizer Kimberly McAmis said the best prize is intangible. “[The Knowledge Bowl] cultivates relationships with Memphis area businesses,” she said. “This competition brings a variety of companies in, forming networks and potential for future partnerships.”

With teams paying a fee to compete, the event is a fundraiser for the Foundation for the Library. “It’s a win-win all around,” McAmis said.

For more information or to register your team to compete, contact Kimberly McAmis at (901) 415-2834 or mcamisk@memphislibrary.org. The deadline for entry is August 27, 2010.