Michelle's Bridal and Tuxedo Named 2026 Small Business of the Year in Champaign County

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce named Michelle's Bridal and Tuxedo its 2026 Small Business of the Year at its annual meeting on October 23 at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center in Urbana. Yahoo reported the award, which went to a formal-wear store that has operated in the community for more than 40 years.

Michelle's Bridal Wins Chamber Award

Michelle's Bridal and Tuxedo is an independent bridal and formalwear boutique in Urbana, Illinois, selling wedding gowns, prom and homecoming dresses, tuxedo rentals and accessories through a single showroom with appointment-based bridal styling. The store was founded by Michelle Schweighart, who handed the business to her daughter, Morgan Stone, in 2024, according to the business's website.

Chamber officials reported that Michelle's saw a 7 percent increase in sales this year. The store also took first place in the Bridal/Formal Wear category in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 News-Gazette People's Choice Awards. Michelle's is located at 2210 N. Willow Road in Urbana and also includes M2 Prom.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, but their contributions go well beyond jobs and sales," said chamber President and CEO Laura Weis. "They invest in our community, support local organizations and build relationships that last for generations."

Mila Fuller, owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes and chair of the chamber's board of directors, said Michelle's has built a business that people trust during meaningful moments in their lives. The business donates thousands of dollars annually to causes such as local schools, Court-Appointed Special Advocates, Make-A-Wish and the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club, chamber officials said. Stone has also raised over $21,000 for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.

Other finalists for Small Business of the Year included Contractor's Disposal Inc., Lazers Edge Office Automation, Leslie Kimble Art, Marketview Carwash, Midwest Mortgage Group, New Prairie Solar, OEO Energy Solutions, Plato's Closet and The CU Flower House by A. Hunt Design.

Michelle's Bridal Product Moves

According to akta.pro company records, Michelle's expanded its designer portfolio in 2025 with Fall 2026 collections from Sherri Hill, Ava Presley and an Ashley Lauren homecoming line. The same records show the store introduced premium appointment tiers in 2024, including a $300 Private Champagne Appointment and a $100 Level Up Experience Appointment, and launched the M2 Promise exclusivity guarantee for prom. Its prom inventory runs over 1,000 dresses, and its wedding gown inventory spans hundreds of gowns from designers worldwide.

What Comes Next for Michelle's Bridal

The chamber presented the award during its annual meeting on October 23. Michelle's continues to operate its Urbana showroom at 2210 N. Willow Road, where bridal styling is offered by appointment.