Michelle's Bridal & Tuxedo Named Champaign County Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Small Business of the
Michelle's Bridal & Tuxedo Named
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce's
2026 Small Business of the Year
Longtime local business recognized for more than four decades of exceptional customer service, business success and community involvement
CHAMPAIGN, IL (October 23, 2026) – For more than four decades, Michelle's Bridal & Tuxedo has helped generations of Champaign County residents celebrate life's biggest milestones. On Friday, the business had a milestone of its own to celebrate being named the 2026 Small Business of the Year by the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented during the Chamber's Annual Meeting, held at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign.
Now in its 35th year, the Chamber's Small Business of the Year Award recognizes a locally owned business that demonstrates outstanding business performance, exceptional customer service, entrepreneurial leadership and a meaningful commitment to the community.
This year's selection process was particularly competitive, with ten strong nominations representing the depth, diversity and entrepreneurial strength of Champaign County's small business community.
"One of the most difficult things about this award is choosing just one recipient, especially in a year when the nominations were so strong," said Laura Weis, president and CEO of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. "Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, but their contributions go well beyond jobs and sales. They invest in our community, support local organizations and build relationships that last for generations. Michelle's Bridal & Tuxedo is an outstanding example of all of that. They've managed to remain relevant and successful for more than 40 years while never losing sight of the personal service and community connections that made them successful in the first place."
A locally owned, family-operated business, Michelle's Bridal & Tuxedo has earned a reputation for helping customers feel confident, comfortable and celebrated during some of the most important occasions of their lives. From weddings and proms to homecomings and other special events, the business has built lasting customer relationships through personalized attention and exceptional service.
The company's continued success reflects its ability to evolve with changing customer expectations while maintaining its commitment to service. Its expansion to include M2, a store specializing in prom and special occasion attire, has broadened its reach and strengthened its position in the local formalwear market.
Under the leadership of owner Morgan, the business continues to demonstrate impressive performance, including a seven percent increase in sales this year. Michelle's was also voted the News-Gazette People's Choice winner for Bridal and Formalwear in both 2025 and 2026, further reflecting the loyalty and confidence of its customers.
"Business success isn't measured only by how much a company grows, but also by what it contributes along the way," said Dr. Mila Fuller, owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes and chair of the Chamber's board of directors. "Michelle's has built a business that people trust during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. That kind of reputation is earned one customer at a time, year after year. What's equally impressive is that they've used that success to support others in our community. Michelle's demonstrates exactly why strong, locally owned businesses are so important to Champaign County."
Beyond its business achievements, Michelle's Bridal & Tuxedo has established an equally impressive record of community involvement. The company contributes thousands of dollars annually to local schools and charitable organizations, including CASA, Make-A-Wish and the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club. The business also provides tuxedos for the Boys & Girls Club's annual fashion show.
Morgan has personally embraced that commitment to giving back, raising more than $21,000 for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank through its Prom Court fundraiser, an effort that also earned her the title of Prom Queen.
Her leadership extends beyond Champaign County as president of the Midwest Bridal Prom Network, where she shares her industry experience and helps support fellow business owners.
A Chamber member for more than 40 years, Michelle's Bridal & Tuxedo represents the lasting value of local entrepreneurship and the role independent businesses play in shaping a vibrant community.
"Every small business owner knows that staying in business for 40 years is an accomplishment in itself," Weis added. "But continuing to grow, earning the trust of new generations of customers and making your community better along the way? That's something worth celebrating. Michelle's has shown that a business doesn't have to be large to make an extraordinary impact."
The Chamber congratulates Michelle's Bridal & Tuxedo as its 2026 Small Business of the Year and recognizes all ten nominated businesses for their contributions to the local economy and community.
Media Contacts:
Laura Weis, President & CEO
lauraw@champaigncounty.org
Kaylie Malenius, Brand and Communications Director
kayliem@champaigncounty.org
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
217.359.1791
The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce is an award-winning business association dedicated to advancing the interests of the local business community through advocacy, connections, resources and programs that support business success and a strong local economy.
