The Construction Source America

American Lighting Association | 3 The American Lighting Association (ALA) is a trade association that represents the resi- dential lighting industry, their members and customers, and works diligently to protect and advance the industry while promoting the sale and proper application of quality lighting products. It represents 1,500 leading lighting manufacturers, retailers, manufac- turers’ representatives and designers across North America. Director of Engineering and Technology Terry K. McGowan joined the association in 2001. He has more than 50 years of industry experience, and came onboard shortly after retiring from GE Lighting in Cleveland. He also runs his own lighting company, Light- ing Ideas, Inc. “I went to one of their markets in Dallas and found out this is a surprising group,” he recalls. “It contains the manufac- turers, the designers, the reps, as well as the lighting showrooms that have a very tight re- lationship with the residential lighting con- sumer.” ALA IS THE AUTHORITY The association’s objectives deal with three main areas — public affairs, education and organization affairs — and are updated by