Kathy McCorry is one in 100

In Business

By Elizabeth Gabriel

(Updated: Friday, April 11, 2008, 10:04 PM)

Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce dynamo Kathy McCorry has been chosen as one of Business Street's "Influential Women 100." McCorry is the chamber's executive director and handles managerial tasks as well as things as diverse as speaking before the Madera County Supervisors and serving hot drinks at the annual Christmas tree lighting celebration.

Business Street is a monthly publication for Fresno, Kings, Tulare and Madera counties. Its list for the award started with more than 300 women. "These 100 women have exemplified leadership qualities in their businesses and have contributed to the community at large," stated the publication.

For a complete list of the women, check the Web site at www.iw100.com.

Transmission transition

Gary Murphy came to Oakhurst in 2001 with his wife and 2-year-old son because they wanted a small-town lifestyle. Gary owned an automotive shop in Salinas. Now he's decided to set up his own shop here, as well.

Meet Murph's Automotive and Transmission next to Old Corral Market & Bait on the Bass Lake road.

"We are committed to remaining in Oakhurst and being an integral part of our community," said his wife, Jacque. She works for lawyers, their son, now 12, is at Oak Creek Intermediate, and when Gary isn't wiping grease off his hands, he's an assistant scoutmaster and a Kiwanian.

The shop is at 41870 Road 222, #A. The phone is (559) 642-4244.

It's a gas

Ah, the Wednesday poll of Mountain Area purveyors of fine petroleum products and Slurpees. Did you see the story on the cover of the Business section of the Sunday, April 6 Fresno Bee? It was all about the woes of gas station owners and how their margins are so thin, they make more money on quickie mart-type merchandise than on gas. It also said that credit card sales hurt profit margins after fees are factored in. Associated Press writer John Wilen wrote that 95 percent of gas stations in the U.S. are independently owned, so their prices aren't dictated by the oil companies.

Our prices (with last week in parentheses);

Bass Lake Shell, $3.89 ($3.79); Oakhurst Valero, $3.63 ($3.55); Oakhurst Chevron, $3.79 ($3.72); Coarsegold Kwik Serv, $3.69 ($3.59); Coarsegold Shell, $3.69 (same); Bootjack Market, $3.75 ($3.69); Pioneer Texaco in Mariposa, $3.79 ($3.69) and AMPM near Avenue 12, $3.59 ($3.47)