Coto de Caza Resident Pat Ortiz Receives Business Ethics Award

      Approximately three hundred guests attended the ceremony and day-long series of lectures, workshops and information sharing at the Doubletree Hotel in Santa Ana where The Most Rev. Tod D. Brown, Bishop of Orange again honored Orange County business leaders in the fifth annual Conference of Business Ethics. This annual event is dedicated to education and promoting ethical business practices as well as honoring local business leaders. Pat Ortiz of Ortiz Enterprises and Terrance Barry of the Barry Company were recognized during the event with the prestigious Bishop Tod D. Brown Award for Exemplary Business Integrity. This award recognizes accomplishment and personal dedication to ethical business practices.
      This progressive program seeks to develop partnerships between local businesses and the 37 Catholic elementary school and seven high schools within the Diocese. "This successful event allows the Diocese to honor these within the business community who have demonstrated a life-long commitment to ethical business practices," explained Bishop Brown.
      Terrance K. Barry received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado. In 1963, he joined a local civil engineering firm and eventually became its president. Terrance became President of a large Southern California residential in 1979 and remained the company until 1984. Then in 1984, Terrance and his wife Betty founded The Barry Company, L.L.C., specializing in the ownership and management of apartments, warehouses and land development.
      Terrance is involved in a number of industry and church related activities that include: the Diocese of Orange Real Estate Board, the Knights of Malta, member Order of Malta Board of Director, Knight Grand Cross and Treasurer of Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and St. Mary's Food Bank. He is a member of the St. Norbert's Parish and a former member of the Finance Council. In addition, Barry is a lifetime member and fellow of American Society of Civil Engineers, and a former officer of the Orange County Building Industry Association.
      Pat Ortiz attended Kent State University in Ohio and graduated from Santa Ana College. In 1986, he founded Ortiz Enterprises Inc., specializing in full-service construction of freeways, flood control systems, and commercial projects. He is involved in the Rancho Santa Margarita community and prominent organizations throughout Orange County. Pat was on the Board of Directors of the Order of Malta-Western Association as well as a former Orange county Chapter president. Pat currently serves on the Nominating and Finance Committees and ic co-chairman of the Board of Catholic Charities of Orange County, the Board of Directors for Taller San Jose and a prestigious member of Legatus. He also serves on the San Francisco Solano Pastoral Council and the board of two private foundations.
      Bishop Brown commented: "It is one thing to encourage ethical business practices and another to demonstrate this fundamental social philosophy in the real-world. As business leaders, Terrance K. Barry and Pat Ortiz have risen to prominence in their respective fields without cost to their Catholic faith or personal integrity. Barry and Ortiz are beacons for every business owner, student and citizen. They have demonstrated that holding true to values of fairness and integrity can be the gateway to success and not a hindrance."