Michelle Bottino of Fully Promoted St. Charles Named 2026 Bess Cohn Humanitarian of the Year
Some business owners build companies. Others build communities.
For Michelle Bottino, owner of Fully Promoted St. Charles, the two have always gone hand in hand.
Today, we are proud to celebrate Michelle's recognition as the recipient of the 2026 Bess Cohn Humanitarian of the Year Counselor Award, one of the promotional products industry's highest honors. This prestigious award recognizes individuals whose commitment to helping others creates a lasting impact far beyond the workplace.
For those who know Michelle, the honor feels less like a surprise and more like a reflection of who she has always been.
Click above to see the Bess Cohn Counselor Awards Video!
More Than a Business
At Fully Promoted, we often talk about helping clients grow their brands through promotional products, branded apparel, marketing solutions, and meaningful customer experiences.
Michelle has taken that idea a step further.
She has built a business that isn't just known for what it produces—it is known for what it contributes. Whether partnering with local nonprofits, supporting charitable organizations, or creating opportunities for individuals who may otherwise be overlooked, Michelle has consistently used her business as a vehicle for positive change.
Her approach is rooted in a simple belief: people matter.
That mindset has shaped the culture of Fully Promoted St. Charles and the relationships she has built throughout her community.
An Honor That Reflects our Values
When recognizing Michelle's achievement, Andrew Titus, President of United Franchise Group, praised the qualities that make her such an exceptional leader: "Michelle fully embodies the spirit of a humanitarian. She's selfless, kind and community-oriented."
His words capture what so many throughout the Fully Promoted network already know.
- Michelle leads with compassion.
- She advocates for inclusion.
- She supports her community.
- And she consistently looks for ways to help others succeed.
Those are the qualities that define true leadership.
Celebrating and Extraordinary Achievement
The Bess Cohn Humanitarian of the Year Award recognizes a commitment to service, generosity, and creating opportunities for others.
Through her leadership, Michelle Bottino has shown how a business can become a catalyst for positive change. She has demonstrated that promotional products can help support important causes, that entrepreneurship can create opportunities, and that success is even more meaningful when it uplifts those around us.
As a network dedicated to helping brands make meaningful impressions, we couldn't be prouder to celebrate one of our own for making an even greater impression on her community.
Creating Opportunities Where Others See Obstacles
One of Michelle's most inspiring contributions has been her commitment to creating opportunities for differently abled adults.
In 2023, she launched a paid internship program designed to provide hands-on work experience, job training, and confidence-building opportunities for individuals seeking a path into the workforce.
The initiative was built around a philosophy that perfectly captures Michelle's outlook on leadership and inclusion:
"See the Able, Not the Label."
It's more than a motto. It's a reminder that talent, determination, and potential can be found everywhere when we choose to lead with understanding instead of assumptions.
The program has already changed lives, creating meaningful employment opportunities and demonstrating the impact inclusive workplaces can have on both individuals and organizations.
Meet Callie, Michelle’s employee hired through the “See the Able, Not the Label” program, and Mabel, a rescue dog and the store’s beloved official greeter.
A Different Kind of Leadership
As Michelle shared: "I don't sell. I learn about my clients and look for solutions that help them reach their goals." That philosophy embodies what makes Fully Promoted owners successful. Every branded product, custom apparel program, online company store, and marketing solution begins with understanding people first
Congratulations, Michelle. This recognition is incredibly well deserved, and the entire Fully Promoted family is celebrating alongside you!