When President Barack Obama gives his jobs speech Thursday night, the head of Burnsville-based Permac Industries will be among the high-powered business, labor and political leaders joining the first lady.

According to the White House, Permac CEO Darlene Miller will be sitting with First Lady Michelle Obama

during the president's address to Congress.

Permac is a machining company that makes precision parts for customers worldwide. Miller serves as a member of the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.

The president isn't the first political leader to cozy up to Miller to push their jobs agenda.

A year ago, unsuccessful Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer unveiled his job's plan at Permac, with Miller standing at his side.

Darlene Miller

Miller won't be the only one with Minnesota ties sitting with the first lady.

She will also be joined by Joseph Kidd, a U.S. Navy veteran who had lunch with the president in Cannon Falls during his August bus tour through the Midwest.

At the time, Kidd asked the president to make it easier for service members to take their military skills to the private sector.

The president's staff, according to the White House, is working on the concept of a "career ready military."