BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

2018 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

For well over two decades, Ball Horticultural Company has offered a wide variety of internships to students majoring in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agribusiness, and related fields. Each year, our internship projects are linked to specific business initiatives, which encompass a range of horticulture disciplines including advanced research, breeding and genetics, marketing, business operations, production, and trialing.

All internships require a minimum of Junior-level standing at an accredited, four-year university or college. Historically, Ball interns arrive with significant academic and/or related extracurricular accomplishments, although consideration is also given to those students demonstrating exceptional promise. When applying for these internship projects, students should consider the following:

All internships are offered during the summer months for a period of 10-12 weeks.

Start and end dates are relatively flexible, depending upon the student’s availability and the needs of the department; we prefer interns start no later than the day after Memorial Day.

Unless otherwise noted, internships are located in West Chicago, Illinois, a suburb approximately 35 miles west of Chicago.

Rate of pay is $13.00 per hour. Students work a minimum of 40 hours/week; some internships require overtime during critical periods.

We provide fully furnished and appointed apartments in a nearby apartment complex and absorb the majority of the rental costs. The student portion of housing is $200.00 per month. Food, transportation and other living costs are the responsibility of the student. Students are required to have their own transportation since housing is not within walking distance from work locations and public transportation is not readily accessible.

A major goal of the program is to expose students to multiple aspects of our business operations; presentations and tours of departments throughout the company are provided during the summer. Similarly, interns are expected to participate in company and industry events including AmericanHort’s Cultivate ’18 in Columbus, OH and Ball Customer Days.

All internships culminate in mid-August with a final presentation made by each intern on his/her experiences and accomplishments; these presentations are made to members of Ball’s Management Teams.

The application deadline is February 28, 2018. Intern selections will be determined by March 15, 2017. All applicants will be notified of our decisions.

Students interested in pursuing one of these internships should forward a cover letter and resume to:

Ball Horticultural CompanyAttn: Mike Williams

622 Town RoadWest Chicago, IL 60185

630-231-3600, ext. 3308 E-mail: mwilliams@ballhort.com Fax: 630-231-3592 www.ballhort.com

LANDSCAPE INTERNSHIPWEST CHICAGO, ILLINOISSupervised by: Jeff Gibson

DescriptionThis internship will give the student the opportunity to work in our Ball Landscape strategic initiative. The objective of the program is to leverage Ball proprietary plant sales to greenhouse growers and nurseries that sell to the professional landscape trade. Tactics for this initiative involve various marketing channels including market assessment, data management, advertising, product presentations, events and media relations, digital and social media.

Major Responsibilities:

Ball Landscape market segment Surveys Work with Landscape Business Manager and Market Research Manager to create marketing

questionnaire for N.A. Landscape architects; greenhouse growers and garden centers selling to landscapers, nursery re-wholesalers, and landscape contractors

Coordinate input from Darwin Perennials, Star Roses and Plants, Ball FloraPlant, PanAmerican Seed to determine objectives, measurement goals for survey

Create questionnaire, determine method of delivery, and analysis Administer survey, track, and summarize results Analysis and presentation

Ball Landscape social media development and assessment Social media content, photography, video & blog content development to support 2018

updated Balllandscape.com Assessment of winter/spring 2018 social media campaign. Effectiveness, reach, suggestions for

improvement for 2019 strategyBall Landscape/Ball Horticulture media relations support activity

Assist Public Relations manager in the coordination of media day events, July & August 2018 Identify and coordinate visits to Ball Gardens by landscape-specific media (Darwin Perennial

Day, Ball Customer & Landscape Day)2018 Ball landscape & customer day targeted landscape account meeting

Work with Ball Hort sales management to identify key landscape growers & their key landscape customers, and media to invite to participate.

Communicate with identified Ball landscape growers on logistics/arrangements Assist with event set-up and implementation, organization of speakers, post-event survey Perform internal communications to sales organization and Ball staff Coordinate Ball literature and collateral support for event

Requirements

Junior or senior level student majoring in horticulture, agriculture, agribusiness, agribusiness marketing or related plant science discipline. Intermediate-level proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and

PowerPoint. The selected intern must be self-directed, able to work independently, as well as part of a team, and possess exceptional attention to detail. Interest in the landscape sector is a plus.

PANAMERICAN SEED BREEDING EVALUATIONS INTERNSHIPELBURN, IL or GUADALUPE, CASupervised by: Ockert Greyvenstein

Description

ViolasIn addition to the incredible range in color, viola flowers are edible. Requests by growers have come in inquiring about total number of flowers produced by our hybrids over a growing season. Data on total number of flowers produced could help increase sales in the edible flower market. The project will be an experiment to count, compare, and contrast the total number of flowers produced by several viola hybrids. The intern will have the opportunity learn how to address an important horticultural question by observing appropriate starting plant material organized in a proper experimental design in order to collect the relevant data that can be subjected to the basic statistical analysis followed by interpretation and documentation of the results.SunflowerThe large sunflower flower head is actually an inflorescence, or composite flower, and are made up of two kinds of tiny florets. The disc florets are located in the center of the composite flower, and the ray florets bear the outer ring of petal-like structures. Ray florets are sterile, and disc florets have both male and female structures, including a single ovary that develops into a sunflower seed. Hand emasculation in sunflower is a difficult task, making it challenging for targeted cross-pollination prior to the stigma getting self-fertilized. Several chemicals have been used to induce male sterility in several crop species. Among chemical hybridizing agents, a synthetic detergent could be an inexpensive option for the induction of male sterility. The objective of the project will be to test the efficacy of a synthetic detergent ‘Surf Excel’. Different concentrations of ‘Surf Excel’ will be applied to different flower developmental stages to validate its effectiveness as a potential male gametocide in H annuus. The results of the experiment will also allow us to choose the optimum concentration and precise developmental stage(s) to achieve targeted hybrid seed production in H annuus.VerbenaVerbena is generally considered a perennial crop, however, some people grow it like an annual. Verbena provides a wide range of bright colors and grow very well in general. One of the biggest issues with verbena is seed germination, they are tricky to germinate and need a proper amount of moisture. Moisture must be handled very carefully; too much moisture results in a mucilage inside the seed coat which restricts the emergence of the embryo from the seed coat, hence the importance of appropriate moisture content during the germination process. The intern project is to conduct trials comparing different moisture content to help us identify the ideal moisture regime enhancing seed germination in verbena.

RequirementsJunior or senior-level student majoring in horticulture, plant science or related discipline with an emphasis in breeding or young plant production research is ideal. This internship requires intermediate-level proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Selected intern must be self-directed

and have the ability to organize and prioritize their work, as well as work a flexible schedule during peak periods. Similarly, this hands-on internship requires that the student is able to work under a variety of environmental conditions, including heat and humidity for prolonged periods of time, as well as lift 20+ pounds and perform physical labor.

THE GARDENS AT BALL TRIALS INTERNSHIPS (2)WEST CHICAGO, ILLINOISSupervised by: Rachel Prescott, Sam Schmitz

Description

The Gardens at Ball includes over 9 acres of trial and show gardens, highlighting Ball genetics and exclusive product lines for the N. American market and markets worldwide. The two interns will join the Gardens’ staff to

Assist in the planning, assembly, and implementation of the trial and display gardens Gain experience in several aspects of exterior landscape installation

Daily responsibilities will be to assist with planting and maintaining 10s of thousands of plants installed for the summer trialing period. In addition to the daily physical responsibilities, there will be an assigned project given to each intern that will need to be completed by the end of the internship:

1. Specialized Focus on Vegetables and Herbs in the Garden- For the 2018 season, a new “Chef’s Garden” is planned for a high profile area that is highly

trafficked by both customers and employees- With this new endeavor, there is a need for extra attention given to this area to assure its

esthetic and functional properties- This intern will be responsible for overseeing the new “Chef’s Garden”, which includes

evaluating the produce quantities and quality that are harvested, problem solving any issues that occur, and creating an outline of suggestions to better the program for the future

- In addition to the “Chef’s Garden”, we have hundreds of vegetables and herbs planted throughout the Gardens, and this intern will be the go to person for harvesting and maintenance for these crops

- Solutions will be presented at the end of the summer to upper level management- A special interest in vegetables is preferred for this position

2. Specialized Focus on Sustainable Landscape Area- Home to the front of the building at Ball is a large stretch of sustainable plants that have been

planted to create a native-esque look- Ball has worked with a few different contractors over the years to help address this part of the

property- One of the biggest questions heard throughout the summer in this area is, “What plant is this?”- This intern will help identify the hundreds of plants that are in this area, and formulate a way to

effectively display or communicate what they are- In addition, this intern will research and find ways to lessen the need to rely on outside

contractors to address this area in terms of maintenance

- In addition, this intern will be the go to person for weeding, clean up and any pest management issues in this area throughout the summer

- Solutions will be presented at the end of the summer to upper level management- A special interest in native and sustainable landscapes is preferred for this position

Benefit to department:- Take care of special projects and assist in labeling containers and beds- Able to function autonomously from the rest of the crew to accomplish secondary tasks- Base knowledge and understanding of plants and sound horticultural practicesBenefit to students:- Complete an assigned project that will provide the intern with a project that is presentable at

the end of the summer and not just, “My Summer Planting the Gardens”- Assist in the planning, assembly, and implementation of an industry renowned trial and display

garden- Experience in several aspects of exterior landscape installation- Exposure to all departments associated with the day to day function of the company- The opportunity to meet, interact, and network with varied groups of industry professionals

Requirements

Junior or senior-level student majoring in horticulture, landscape design and maintenance or related field. This internship requires intermediate-level proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Selected interns must be self-directed, have the ability to organize and prioritize their work, as well as work a flexible schedule during peak planting periods and in advance of special events. Similarly, this hands-on internship requires that the student is able to work under a variety of environmental conditions including heat, humidity and rain for prolonged periods of time, as well as lift 50+ pounds and perform physical labor. Ability to start employment by May 14 th is preferred.

BALL SEED SERVICE AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIPWEST CHICAGO, ILLINOISSupervised by: Jacco Kuipers

Description

Ball Seed is the largest division of Ball Horticultural Company. Ball Seed sells and distributes to growers throughout N. America seed, unrooted cuttings and young plants of flowering annuals, vegetables and perennials. The intern will get exposure to the use of market research and project work to support the sales department, and to projects and functions that help support Ball Seed’s services to customers.

Major Responsibilities:

Customer Relations Construct and execute bi-annual customer satisfaction survey

o Collect, Analyze and present survey results & analytical observations Support preparation efforts for 2019 purchase order quoting and rebooking season Assist with Color Link annual season preparation initiatives – promotional package assembly and

distribution.

Supplier Relations /Traffic Analyze and compare Ball Seed's business to that of competing broker product offerings, pricing,

customer tools and other service.o Report on gaps and opportunities

Audit supplier program pricing and terms accuracy o Perform quality control procedures to confirm

Update supplier databases on Neonicotinoids usage Support Traffic by collecting and analyzing existing and proposed truck routing. Review and update WebTrack variety texts and product groupings

Requirements

Junior or senior-level student majoring in horticulture, agriculture, agribusiness, ag economics or other related field. This position requires a person who has good communication skills and ability to work well in a large group. This internship is a good match for individuals looking for sales, customer service and management experience. Must have strong computer skills, specifically a comfort working in Microsoft environment and analyzing data. In addition, individual should be a self-starter, have strong organizational skills and good writing/documentation skills.

SEEDLING DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIPWEST CHICAGO, ILLINOISSupervised by: Robert Conrad

Description

The student will work in our Premier Seed Research Lab on a variety of projects involving evaluations of seedling development to assist in determining optimum processes of seed coating and pelleting options for particular species of seed. The intern will be directly involved in assisting with inventorying the different types of coated/pelleted seed in the current assortment, conducting sowing trials with high-speed drum seeders and testing for germination performance. Experimenting with the use of surfactants, and testing different systems for sizing pellets are highlighted in the primary projects of this internship.

Principal projects include:

1. Does treating a seed with a surfactant help it imbibe and germinate better? We have a few varieties that appear to require more water after sowing to good stand than most species require. Can this be overcome and have the seed germinate just as well as most seeds with more limited water? Studies will be set up to determine this.

2. Our precision multi-pelleted seed needs more water than a normal pelleted seed. This is no surprise due to the size of the pellet. The question is, when is it best to give it more water? Do we give it more water after sowing, after stage one, or sometime in stage 2? Studies will be set up to determine the answer.

3. Presently we size pelleted seed with mesh screens. We also have available slotted screens and cylinder screens. Using image analysis equipment, we will try to determine which one is the optimum process to use: flat screens or cylinder screens. Slotted screens or woven mesh screens. We need to understand which gives a better separation into size fractions, and if one method is significantly faster or slower than the other method.

Examples of the activities involved in these projects will include setting up growing facilities and grow-out standards for each crop, data collection and interpretation, and evaluation of technologies employed in seed testing. Use of proprietary seed testing methods will be employed. Participation in the evaluations of various controls such as optimum light spacing, intensity and watering requirements per crop will also be performed. Requirements

Junior or senior level student majoring in horticulture with an emphasis on propagation and young plant production research or greenhouse production is ideal. This internship requires intermediate-level proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Selected intern must be self-directed, have

the ability to organize and prioritize their work, as well as work a flexible schedule during peak periods. Similarly, this hands-on internship requires that the student is able to work under a variety of environmental conditions, including heat and humidity for prolonged periods of time, as well as lift 20+ pounds and perform physical labor.

PERENNIAL YOUNG PLANT PROPAGATION RESEARCH INTERNSHIPWEST CHICAGO, ILLINOISSupervised by: Will Healy, Todd Cavins

DescriptionImproving Yield and Efficiency in Perennial Young Plant Propagation

The continued growth of perennial crop production has identified the need to successfully root vegetative perennial cuttings and establish tissue culture stage 3 propagules. Growers continue to struggle with optimizing the cultural requirements for rapid, uniform rooting of these two starting materials. With summer being the primary rooting period, managing and optimizing the environment is even more critical to success. Growers have experienced up to 80% rooting losses due to cutting collapse or delayed rooting. The objective of this internship is to develop protocols, based on current best management practices, to eliminate rooting losses.

This internship will work in our advanced propagation facility to investigate the rooting requirements of the key vegetative crops. During the last several internships, we have created industry leading protocols for the successful propagation of specially spring annuals and perennials. Previous interns have identified the optimum soil moisture levels for root development and developed VPD templates which improve cutting hydration which leads to rapid root development. A recent intern project demonstrated the need for re-hydration of the cuttings prior to sticking to insure uniform, rapid root development, which has revolutionized cutting handling within our rooting station network. The most recent intern developed innovative protocols for rooting of high essential oil perennial crops. These intern projects have now become industry best management practices (BMP). We are now interested in expanding our BMP to include the top 20 perennial crops.

The intern will conduct trials to determine the optimum moisture regimes for rooting, chemical rooting agents to enhance rapid and uniform rooting and evaluate photoperiod requirements for root development. Using the Argus environmental control system the intern will optimize VPD drying curves for rapid hydration of the cuttings. Past internships have demonstrated the benefits of K-IBA rooting hormone application along with Fascination fungicide in enhancing root proliferation. One of the big unknown questions in perennial propagation is the need for photoperiod control. Since most perennials bulk their roots under shorter photoperiods, we are going to investigate the benefits of short days on root development.

Working in our culture-new variety trials greenhouse in West Chicago will allow the intern to interact with the production staff on a daily basis to expand her/his experience in greenhouse production. The summer field trials are in production during the internship which gives the intern opportunity to learn about the cultural requirements of the newest genetics in the market place. Past interns have expanded their understanding of greenhouse production requirements by working with the greenhouse staff.

Requirements

Junior or senior-level student majoring in horticulture with an emphasis on greenhouse production or young plant production research is ideal. This internship requires intermediate-level proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Selected intern must be self-directed, have the ability to

organize and prioritize their work, as well as work a flexible schedule during peak periods. Similarly, this hands-on internship requires that the student is able to work under a variety of environmental conditions, including heat and humidity for prolonged periods of time, as well as lift 50+ pounds and perform physical labor.

FRAGRANCE AND FLAVOR ANALYSIS RESEARCH INTERNSHIPWEST CHICAGO, ILSupervised by: Jayaraj Alappat

Description

The intern will work to support the breeding activities and strategic initiatives related to sustainable flavors and fragrances, and extractible compounds from plants. The individual will play a role in working as a part of an inter-disciplinary team to extract, identify, analyze, quantify and bioassay natural products in the terpenoid class from lavender family.

Essential Job Functions 1. Search, Review and Compile literature relevant to flavors, fragrances and functional plants.2. Maintain, harvest and extract plant volatiles using steam distillation.3. Analyze the chemical profile of the volatiles by GC-MS and perform bio-assays.

Learning Outcomes1. Familiarization of chemical and laboratory equipment including Ultraviolet/ Visible (UV/VIS)

spectrophotometer; High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC); Thin Layer Chromatograph (TLC) Gas Chromatography- mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

2. Extraction and analysis of volatile oils from lavender, lavendin and spike lavender.3. Mosquitocidal and antimicrobial bioassays of active ingredients in lavendula.4. ChemDraw for drawing chemical structures and Molecular orbital calculations using Gaussian

program.Planned Timeline

RequirementsJunior or senior-level student majoring in plant biology, plant breeding, chemistry, analytical chemistry or pharmacognosy. Background/coursework in plant breeding, plant biochemistry, phytochemistry,

natural product chemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmacognosy or related field is desired. Experience with chromatographic separations including GC and HPLC a plus. Must be well organized, able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and possess the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment emphasizing teamwork.

BALL FLORAPLANT PRODUCT MARKETING INTERNSHIPWEST CHICAGO, ILLINOISSupervised by: Monique Hakkert

Description

2020 Ball FloraPlant and Selecta new varieties product launch The intern will play a key role in the launch of Ball FloraPlant and Selecta’s new introductions for 2020. June and July are the most important months to get everything organized and work on strategies on how to launch the new product. The internship will include marketing and product management. Projects include the following:

Gather data and documentation of the BFP and Selecta 2020 new varieties summer performance trial Meet with Product Managers to set expectations. Develop a project plan for launch activities. Read and review crops in secure trialing area regularly. Determine when and what photography to take; record plant performance and habit for inclusion in documented specs. Take sufficient data repeatedly over the summer and record and report in presentable forms. Data will be used in the decision making process for what products will be launched

Develop a retail program with one of the new introductions to present to Meijer. The product selected should be an early release exclusive. The Meijer group will visit Ball in late summer. This project will include all the prep work. Visit Meijer stores in the Chicago area and gather intelligence on their garden center. Meet with the product manager (in person or phone) and retail account manager to develop key features and benefits of the product and what is important for the retailer.Meet with BFP/Selecta Product Rep to identify what is important to the grower customer base. Organize a photo shoot that shows how the product would be used by Meijer’s customer and ties in to the retail program. Make a PowerPoint presentation that sells the program.

New variety information database entryThe Ball marketing department uses this system to collect information on new varieties to write copy and help with product positioning to the grower, retailer and landscaper/consumer. It is in a database system. Intern will assist the Product Manager with the entry of the copy of positioning of the new product.

Naming of the 2020 new varieties, series and mixes.Once final product selections for launch is done, organize a naming brainstorm meeting. Prior to the meeting create a document with crop name, photo and main differentiator and distribute to participants to prepare for the naming session. Set up a learning session with intellectual property specialist to gain a good understanding of trademarks and how to search names to see if they clear to use in the US and Canada. Put a presentation together and sell the name to the Ball FloraPlant management team.

Requirements

Junior or senior-level student majoring in horticulture, agriculture, agribusiness, ag economics or other related field. This position requires a person who has good communication skills, a sense of creativity and ability to work well with cross-functional groups. This internship is a good match for individuals looking for business management, marketing and product management experience. Must have strong computer skills, specifically a comfort working in Microsoft environment and analyzing data. In addition, individual should be a self-starter, have strong organizational skills and good writing/documentation skills.

APPLIED AND MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY INTERNSHIPWEST CHICAGO, ILLINOISSupervised by: Colleen Warfield

Description

The primary focus of the Applied and Molecular Plant Pathology Services (AMPPS) group is on the prevention, detection and management of ornamental plant diseases in our breeding programs as well as during production. In addition to disease diagnostics, we conduct routine assays for the detection of all major groups of plant pathogens to ensure that our stock is as clean as possible. We assist plant breeders in identifying disease-resistant germplasm as well as in developing new, disease-resistant varieties by developing and performing disease screens. The internship provides an opportunity for the intern to learn more about ‘Plant and Seed Health’ through the participation in several projects focused on the detection or management of plant pathogens. Work will be carried out in a greenhouse environment and in a laboratory setting.

Projects may include:

1) Evaluation of commercial kits for nucleic acid extraction for detection of both RNA and DNA plant viruses, in order to optimize and streamline our diagnostic assays.

2) Investigation of virus/viroid distribution in plants toward improving sampling methods to increase the probability of detecting the pathogen if present, and to prevent the introduction of viruses into our breeding programs or production locations.

3) Comparison of detection methods for seed borne pathogens in order to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of testing methods, with the outcome of helping to ensure that our seed is of the highest quality.

4) Evaluation of seed treatment methods for their efficacy in removing pathogens, allowing the sale of healthy seed.

5) Investigate the effect of mycorrhizae in reducing disease severity or incidence of common, problematic greenhouse diseases.

Requirements

Junior or senior level student majoring in horticulture, plant science, biology, plant pathology or similar field of study. The intern must have a strong interest in working with plant pathogens. A laboratory course in plant pathology or general microbiology is highly desirable as well as lab or coursework in molecular biology. Attention to detail is a must and good hand-eye coordination is critical. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, and perform repetitive motions.

GROWIT! MARKET RESEARCH AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIPWEST CHICAGO and at We Work (CHICAGO), ILLINOISSupervised by: Mason Day

Description

GrowIt! is a consumer technology division of Ball Horticultural Company launched in 2014, and seeks to use consumer information to help our industry better understand who is buying our products. GrowIt! runs an app by the same name which provides consumers across the country a social community for sharing plant information and experiences within their geographic location. For this internship there will be three distinct projects; the internship is best suited for someone who thinks quick on their feet and is able to multi-task, moving concurrent projects at different stages toward desired outcomes.

Fall Sample ProgramGrowIt! community members agree to sample products throughout the spring season and submit feedback. The GrowIt! team compiles the feedback along with insights from the app for participating plant breeding companies. We are expanding this program by including a Fall Sample Program. The intern will work with the marketing team and participating breeding companies to develop a framework for sampling products to consumers in the fall months. Answering questions like: Using our current method for spring sampling, what methodology can we reuse? What can we change? What types of products are best to sample in the fall? What should the cost be for companies to participate?Smart DatabaseGrowIt! runs on a proprietary plant database. We seek to maintain the balance of providing enough information to consumers while not being overcomplicated or intimidating. As usage on the app grows, we strive to provide the very best information. We work on ways to incorporate outside data sources for the benefit of our users. The intern will analyze our current database, assess strengths and gaps, and identify solutions to fill the gaps in a timely and cost effective manner. Answering questions like: What types of data do GrowIt! users need? What information in missing from the database? What partnerships can be made with outside organizations to make the GrowIt! database the most intuitive plant information source to consumers?Specialized User Acquisition Content StrategyGrowIt! has over 475,000 community members. Not all community members participate at the same frequency or in the same fashion. As the community develops, needs within the community develop as well. We have plants that need to be identified, questions that need to be answered, and inspiration to be fostered. The intern will develop specific content to target specific segments of the GrowIt! user audience. Answering questions like: Where do the most interactive users come from? Why do they join the community? What attracts people that like to answer questions about trees? What types of content attract people that become GrowIt! Plant Masters?

RequirementsJunior or senior level student majoring in horticulture, agriculture, agribusiness or other related field. This position requires a person who has outstanding communication skills and ability to work well in a group. Must have strong computer skills, specifically a comfort working in Microsoft environment and analyzing data. In addition, individual should be a self-starter, and possess good

writing/documentation skills. Previous leadership experience will be helpful. Time management and organizational skills are a must in this fast paced internship.