Local Spotlight: Alex MacPhail

If you live or spend time in Saco, Biddeford or Old Orchard Beach, chances are you know Alex McPhail or at least know of him.

MacPhail and his wife Jodi, who is mayor of Saco, seem to be everywhere – volunteering their time at a parade, outdoor concert or other community event or socializing with friends over dinner at a local restaurant. Check out MacPhail’s Facebook page, and he’s always singing the praises of the community.

When it was recently announced that MacPhail was named executive director of the Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry, many people have said it was a natural fit. In fact, MacPhail worked for the Chamber in a support role many years ago.

“This is a great opportunity for me, because I’ve always been involved in community functions,” he said. “This is my heart and soul right here. I love doing this work.”

Prior to his new job at the Chamber, MacPhail was facilities director at the Dyer Library in Saco. While he has fully settled into his new role at the Chamber, he said he will continue to help out at the library as it puts on its annual Festival of Trees fundraiser. He will also volunteer as emcee for the Festival of Lights parade for Saco Main Street next month.

McPhail has always kept busy by working multiple jobs or committing to several hours of volunteer service while working full-time. In his spare time at night, he does graphic design work, creating program books for charity functions. He also plays guitar in a band called Muel Fuel.

“We play acoustic blues and jam music. We have a good time. We play locally- Funky Bow, Mick’s, Huot’s - anywhere that will have us,” said MacPhail.

He spent many years as an event coordinator for athletic team alumni events, professional wrestling matches, concerts and comedy shows. MacPhail’s definitely comfortable behind a microphone, a skill he used to his advantage at his first Chamber After Hours event to drum up excitement.

When asked how he maintains his level of energy and is so active, he replied, “It sounds crazy, but it’s pretty simple. Jodi and I don’t watch TV.”

“We’re able to do a lot of it together. If you’re doing it together and you’re enjoying it together, that’s a date night – that’s a night out,” he said. “If you’re enjoy what you’re doing, it’s not work.”

More than 75 people showed up at the business after hours event at Bounce Pickle+ Play, and MacPhail said even if he wasn’t in his role at the chamber, he’d showcase the business on social media because he loves helping local businesses.

The recent event included a tour of the new pickleball and golf simulator facility, so people could learn more about it. This aligns with MacPhail’s goals as Chamber director.

“I want to increase the educational component. We want to be more engaged not only with our members, but with our community,” he said.

He also, as director, wants to be an advocate for local businesses. He also wants to build up a volunteer base, and have consistent programming so members get what they sign up for.

MacPhail did not grow up in Maine, but he has a long history with the area.

“I grew up in Massachusetts, but I spent all my summers in Old Orchard Beach because my grandmother had a camper up here,” he said. “My first job was in Old Orchard, at The Ballpark. I worked concessions.”

MacPhail acknowledged that he’s a sentimental guy, and has a huge collection – from napkins to program guides- of memorabilia from the Maine Guides – the team that called The Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach home in the mid-1980s. He is also president of the non-profit Friends of The Ballpark, and for the past several years has volunteered as the emcee for the Concerts in the Ballpark summer series.

When asked what makes the Saco-Biddeford area special, without hesitation he says, “the people, the businesses.” People in the area are hard-working and they’ve put a lot of effort and pride into their community, he said.

There’s also the beauty of the area, with the Saco River, ocean and beaches.

“I drive around here and I think ‘How blessed and lucky are we to live here,” he said.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.