November 24, 2025
Amanda Othoudt is Executive Director of Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. Contact Amanda
How long have you been a member of EDAM? 13 years
What do you find valuable about belonging to EDAM? Being a member of EDAM has been incredibly valuable. EDAM provides access to a strong network of economic development professionals dedicated to advancing economic growth in our state. The Summer and Winter Conferences offer wonderful opportunities to network, share insights, learn best practices and stay ahead of industry trends.
EDAM’s commitment to legislative advocacy ensures our voices are heard on key policy issues that impact our local economic development initiatives in our communities. The educational opportunities offered by EDAM help strengthen my expertise in the field of economic development.
In addition, Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. has received Internship Grants from the Minnesota Economic Development Foundation program which helps our organization advance the work in economic development while also fostering the growth of new economic development professionals.
What is something you are passionate about or a hobby you really enjoy?
My husband and I own a small portfolio of rental properties. I am passionate about being a landlord and have accommodated tenants from all over the world! My husband and I enjoy buying and renovating single- and multi-family properties to add to our portfolio.
Share an interesting fact about yourself that few of your fellow EDAM members may know. I am the third-generation owner of my family dairy farm in Benton County, MN.
What's the greatest advice a mentor has given you? If you don’t like the direction you are headed, change it!
Who would you consider to be your hero? I would say my hero is my husband Aaron. He is supportive of my crazy ideas, loves with his whole heart, he is funny, kind, giving, and incredibly intelligent. He always seems to know random facts. No matter how tough life gets, he conquers it.
What's your favorite place in the world? I absolutely love traveling and visiting Switzerland!
What was the best concert you've ever attended? What's a bucket list concert for you? A private Riley Green concert on Lake Minnetonka on behalf of the Folds of Honor Organization. Another Riley Green concert!
Other than your current job, what would your dream job be? Renovating old crusty, rusty homes with my husband. There is something about making something old “new” again, and spending time learning new skills with my husband, which I love!
When your name is called for karaoke, what song do you pick? Yea....hard pass. I can't sing.
Do you collect anything? How did you get started collecting it? Old watches from my great and great great grandmothers, grandfathers + my parents. My mom actually gave me her watches and the watches from her mother and her grandparents, and I started collecting them from other family members. Old watches are pretty neat.
What's the most recent book you read? Would you recommend it?
Just a few of my favs! I recommend them all!
Hey White Boy by Sonny Von Cleveland
Killing the Image by Andre Ward
A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown
The NIV Bible
What are you currently watching? Outlander
Pop or soda? Hotdish or casserole? Duck, duck, gray duck or duck, duck, goose? Packers or Vikings? Crunchy or creamy? Sweet or salty?
Soda
Hotdish
Duck, duck, gray duck
Vikings - I like living on a rollercoaster of emotions.