Linn-Mar Students Help Redesign Marion Chamber of Commerce Space

A group of Linn-Mar High School students stepped out of the classroom and into the community this semester as part of a real-world business project with the Marion Chamber of Commerce. Students from the Venture Academics Inventrepreneurship class teamed up with the Chamber to redesign its Welcome Center. The goal was make the space more inviting, modern, and accessible for visitors and the community.

“The idea was brought to us by our teacher, Mr. Brinkmeyer,” said student Emily Brandt. “We brainstormed as a class and came up with ideas like a coffee cart, updated brochures, and better product displays.”

The project allowed students to act as designers, working closely with Chamber staff to understand the space and needs of the Chamber of Commerce. They toured the center, created presentations, and even suggested specific products and layout ideas.

Ella Kline helped create a new brochure display to make event information easier to find. “We wanted to make it more engaging and easier for people to learn about what’s happening in Marion,” she said.

For Sydney Ward, the highlight was the creative freedom. “They let us share ideas without limits. It really helped us think outside the box,” she said.

Rory DeSotel worked on a display concept using previously unused wall space. “I liked the research part. Finding the right products, comparing prices, and analyzing the market,” he said.

The class, taught by Corey Brinkmeyer, focuses on entrepreneurship and hands-on learning through projects like this. Projects like these where we work with the community are at the core of the Venture program, where students “live what they learn.”

Brinkmeyer said what surprised him most was how quickly students took ownership of the project. “They jumped in with both feet and really impressed us with their work.”

The class meets for three hours each day and includes only a small group of students, creating what many describe as a tight-knit community.

“It felt like a family,” said Ella. “We were always collaborating and supporting each other.”

Students say the experience gave them valuable skills in communication, project planning, and business development, skills they know will help them beyond high school.

“I’ve learned so much,” said Emily. “This class has helped prepare me for the real world.”