Starting with the next edition of Glass Magazine, the Editor’s Notes will feature a new, yet very familiar, voice as Norah Dick, our longtime senior editor, officially steps into the role of editor. Norah has been with Glass Magazine and its publisher, the National Glass Association, for eight years. In that time, she has proven herself to be a quick study in glass, embracing the complexities of the glass industry and working hard to provide the content companies need.
She is a curious and supportive colleague. She cares about this industry and the rich community of people who make it up.
For my final Editor’s Notes, I thought there would be no better way to pass the columnist’s torch to Norah than to ask her to sit down for an interview.
Oh, and don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. I have moved into a new position at the NGA, serving as vice president of Content and Programming. You will still see me at NGA and other industry events, on the Glass Cast podcast, and occasionally in print, because a writer is never done writing.
KD: You’ve been in glass for more than eight years. What strikes you about this industry?
ND: I like that this industry sits at the intersection of so many things that are important to people’s lives. It is critical to the built environment, and critical for the daily lives of everyday people.
I appreciate the people who make it happen. They are unseen much of the time—making glass in factories, or on construction sites installing glass into buildings. And I have been impressed by how the industry continues to improve itself and improve conditions for its workers.
KD: You mention people. Can you talk about the community in the glass industry?
ND: The glass industry has an incredibly passionate and tight-knit community. Whether it’s interacting with people at trade shows or those contributing to industry publications, it’s heartening to see how deeply people care about their work.
What strikes me most is the longevity within this industry. The number of family-owned businesses, often spanning generations, is remarkable. It speaks volumes about the community itself—people stay not just for the product but because of the relationships they’ve built.
KD: What has surprised you during your time in the glass industry?
ND: It’s rare these days for someone to stay at a job for eight years, but here I am. When I first started, I knew very little about the glass industry, but the community’s graciousness and welcoming nature made all the difference. That’s part of why I’ve stayed. People were so open and encouraging as I learned about the industry, and I know from friends’ experiences in other fields that this level of support isn’t always the norm.
KD: What have been some of the most impactful changes or developments during your time?
ND: Bigger glass and greener technologies have been major trends in recent years. The push for net-zero and carbon-neutral goals has spurred nuanced conversations about sustainability, opening my eyes to the broader impact our industry can have.
Through it all, the glass industry has endured. I’ve been here through a pandemic, multiple hurricanes and natural disasters, and other challenges, but the resilience of the industry never ceases to amaze me. I remember attending my first GlassBuild during Hurricane Irma—people still showed up, and at least one family even had their kids with them on the show floor. Moments like that illustrate the strength and determination of this community. Even in trying times, the industry moves forward.
