What Can We Do?
Half measures on school security glazing and bird-friendly glass aren’t enough — the industry needs to push harder
Two of the glass industry's most prominent products have been in the news over the last week, and sadly, it was for awful reasons. We had a school shooting tragedy and a bird migration disaster. Both buildings featured some of the right products, but not all —more like half measures — and the price was unfortunately paid.
At the school shooting in Bend, Oregon, the shooter deliberately avoided the secured front entrance and went to a side entrance with a double door that did not feature the high-performing school security glass this industry is pumping out. The shooter had easy access and was in.
In Chicago, at Northwestern University, the Kellogg Global Hub had been on bird monitors’ radar from the jump, and while they finally applied bird-friendly film, it was only on the first 3 floors. It was a Band-Aid, and at least 1,000 birds paid the price. That building was completed in 2017, and while bird-friendly glass was not as widespread as it is now, it was out there and should’ve been used.
We are making and innovating products that can improve these scenarios and save lives. But those products need to be used in all the right places. It’s great that schools are doing their vestibule, but they need to do every single entry point. It was OK that Northwestern added some bird-friendly film, but if they'd spoken to any bird monitor, they would’ve been told this would eventually happen (and I’m betting someone did tell them). These moves (creating a secure main entrance in Oregon and an eco-friendly three floors in Chicago) probably made people feel like they were doing something, and they were, but it wasn’t enough.
So, how do we fix that? As an industry, we need to keep ramping up the information we share with all parties. I'd bet the glaziers on these two jobs saw these red flags and said something, and someone probably dismissed it. We need to talk louder everywhere. And more often. There are enough manufacturers of both school security and bird-friendly glass that can amplify the message to potential users. Your glaziers know you have it; let’s find a way to grow the messaging beyond that. Obviously, we all in the glass industry know how hard it is to educate and inform. It’s basically a nightmare, but for the good and safety of our world, we need to do it. Meetings like the NGA Glass Conference (I noted its importance last week) play a role, and we need to hone and develop strategy there and elsewhere to improve these situations.
Also thank you to Heidi Trudell and Scott Goodman, who both immediately brought the Northwestern catastrophe to my attention.
Elsewhere…
Latest Pod
- ICYMI, my latest podcast was a great ride. The feedback has been strong, with people recognizing and valuing almost everything Scott Thomsen of LuxWall, Brendan Champion, and Andrew Leopard of 1st Choice Glass said. I loved hearing from folks who listened to it on their runs, in their cars, offices, and, of course, on their walks around the park, and tip of the hat to my sister Marcie, a loyal listener! Check it out, and thank you for your continued support.
Salem Acquires Matodi
We had a deal in the industry this past week: Salem is adding Matodi to its ranks. That is operating company No. 5 under Salem, and Matodi will continue to operate under its name and operations. Dapper Dan Reinhart (who marked the 15-year milestone at Salem this past week) and company are out there making news and moving the needle. We need good, strong companies in all areas, so this was nice to see. Kudos to all involved.
Vanilla for the Win
Last this week … I gotta lighten it up. I saw a poll showing “favorite ice cream flavors by state,” and I have to say I was pretty shocked by vanilla's power! Nineteen states had vanilla as their leader. Kudos to New York and Connecticut for choosing peanut butter. Yum! Five states chose coffee-flavored as their favorite (not me at all), but shockingly, the home of coffee, Washington state, wasn't one of them. They went with Rocky Road. But the winner, to me? The fine folks from Wisconsin who chose Moose Tracks! Amazing choice by the Badger state!
