[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 18 (Friday, January 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E69]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF MICHELLE AND BRIAN CREE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 28, 2022

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the tremendous 
contributions of Michelle and Brian Cree of Highland Village, Texas. It 
is my privilege to recognize the philanthropic generosity of Mr. and 
Mrs. Cree to the people of Denton County over the past twenty-five 
years.
  Originally from Amarillo, Michelle graduated from Texas State 
University with a degree in Social Work. She began her career with 
Dallas County MHMR, where she worked with adults with disabilities for 
thirteen years. Afterwards, she served and held leadership positions 
with various non-profit organizations, including Metrocrest Community 
Services, 100 Women of Influence, the United Way of Denton County, The 
Salvation Army of North Texas, and the Lewisville Education Foundation. 
In addition, Michelle has been active in the PTA in Lewisville ISD 
schools, earning her the PTA Lifetime Achievement Award for her 
service.
  A native of Dallas, Brian learned the value of giving at an early age 
through the example of his grandparents and parents. His mother, Mary 
Anne Cree, is a well-known philanthropist for whom the headquarters of 
the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is named. Under his capable 
direction, Brian has chaired the Jim Collin/Steve Allen Memorial Golf 
Event, which since 2017 has successfully raised over $250,000 in 
scholarship funds to benefit Denton County students. Brian is a 
respected business professional, currently holding the title of CEO or 
Chairman of several companies: SWX Global Design & Production, Cree 
Visual Marketing Company, Cree Strategic Investments, and SWX Global 
Container Conversions.
  Through their generous contribution of time, talents, and funding, 
Mr. and Mrs. Cree's efforts have significantly benefited multiple 
organizations including the United Way of Denton County, the Lewisville 
Education Foundation, the Denton Public School Foundation, The 
Salvation Army of North Texas, and the United Way of Metropolitan 
Dallas. The Crees brokered a crucial partnership between the United Way 
of Denton County and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas which 
allowed the United Way of Denton County to expand fundraising into 
southern Denton County to better engage local governments, non-profits, 
and businesses to collectively combat county-wide challenges, such as 
homelessness and mental health. As well, the couple have contributed 
over $1.5 million dollars in college scholarships and have pledged 
$50,000 toward the ``Michelle & Brian Cree SWX Global Design & 
Production Leadership Giving Circle'', which is designed to increase 
individual leadership gifts of $1,000 or more for the United Way of 
Denton County.
  I am pleased to join the United Way of Denton County in saluting 
philanthropists Brian and Michelle Cree as they were recently honored 
by the organization with the 2021 Dr. Betty Myers Humanitarian Award.

                          ____________________