Mission Statement
The South Sulphur Regional Development Association (SSRDA) is organized to enhance the economic development of four specific counties, Hunt, Lamar, Delta and Hopkins, in Northeast Texas and contiguous counties in general. The efforts of the Association will concentrate on economic development through tourism. Tourism will be enhanced through the development of indigenous cultural activities, plant and animal displays, promotion of area arts and attractions, and replica portrayals of the history of the area.
Business Structure
The association is organized under the laws of the state of Texas as a non-profit and has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. The organization has a board of directors equally representing the four counties of primary service. The organization operates under generally accepted accounting practices using accrual methods and is audited annually.
Management Team
The Executive Committee of the organization is made up of the president of the Association and vice presidents representing each of the four primary counties.
Products and Services
The SSRDA will provide a focus for its activities and operations on property sub-leased from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, and located on the northeast end of the 20,000-acre Cooper Lake. The lake is split between Hopkins and Delta counties and was built by the Corps of Engineers on the South Sulphur River. The location will provide for an outdoor theater, Caddo Indian village, period farms and buildings, and native plants accented by plantings of wildflowers. The SSRDA will join area tourism programs in promoting events and attractions within the target area of 200-mile radius.
Customers
A population of 10.1 million lives within the radius. Festivals and special events will concentrate on niche or interest groups within the area. Wildflowers/native plants will have a broad appeal and will eventually be an added extra to each special event as well as a major, stand-alone attraction. There will be concentration on retired citizen activity in the late fall and winter. The State Park has housing available and there are 140+ RV spaces nearby. Motels and hotels are available within 20 miles of the site.