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 that is made up of 32 people 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, First, Second & Third Vice Presidents representing each of the four primary counties. The Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Association is Johnny R Johnson. Mr. Johnson has 30+ years of organization management experience with a heavy concentration in tourism development. The COO has many years experience with regional, state and national organizations and has four years as a Governmental Affairs Director in Austin.

Products and Services

The SSRDA will provide a focus for its activities and operations on property sub-leased from Texas Parks & Wildlife. The located is on the southeast 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 (COE) on the South Sulphur River. The location will provide for an amphitheater, cultural educational Center, Caddo Indian village, period farms & 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

Primary customers (80%) are located in a 200-mile radius of Cooper Lake. The area has 10.1 million people within the radius.  Primary customers for the outdoor drama will be 50 years and above located in the area.  Festivals and special events will concentrate on nitch or interest groups within the area. Wildflowers/native plants will have a broad appeal and will 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 available. Motels and hotels are available within 20 miles north or south of the site.

Activities

Activities are to be conducted in the rural setting with all activities being subject to quality controls. All activities are to be educational and encourage interest and respect for the heritage and beauty of NE Texas. At least 50% of the organizations’ activities and focus, at the Center, will be related to plants and animals indigenous to the area. Emphasis is hands on, up close, experiences away from the city.