AUBURN – Alan Lapoint, president of UF Strainrite Inc. in Auburn, will serve on the board of directors of the National Association of Manufacturers, President Jerry Jasinowski announced at the association’s semiannual board meeting in Washington, D.C.

Lapoint will be available throughout the coming year for comment on the outlook for the economy and manufacturing, as well as on four priority policy areas identified by the NAM board that demand prompt attention from government policy makers. They are:

• Reducing the cost of producing in the United States by containing health care costs, enacting legal reforms, ensuring adequate and affordable energy supplies and reforming the regulatory process.

• Leveling the international playing field by ensuring that our major trading partners reduce trade barriers, comply with international trade rules and allow markets to determine exchange rates.

• Promoting innovation, investment and productivity through tax reforms.

• Ensuring an adequate supply of skilled workers.

The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation’s largest industrial trade association representing 14,000 members and 350 member associations serving manufacturers and employees in every industrial sector and all 50 states. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAM has 10 additional offices across the country.