Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan , WI Named Cintas America's Best Restoom III

Ruth Kohler receives the America's Best Restroom award from Cintas' Mike Wallner

The Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan , Wisconsin was named the nation's finest restroom as voted on by the Internet public in the America 's Best Restroom III contest, presented by Cincinnati-based Cintas Corporation, a leading provider of restroom hygiene services for business.

The contest attracted more than 200 entrants, ranging from businesses, movie theatres, high schools and golf courses, to museums, restaurants, gymnasiums, and nightclubs. Nine finalists were chosen based on originality, unique style or theme, exceptional hygiene maintenance and free access by the public.

Thousands of voters logged on to participate in the contest. The top five finishers were:

"The important message here is hygiene matters - for good health and good business," says Mike Wallner, Cintas public relations manager. "People form perceptions about the way companies do business based on a simple trip to the restroom. That's something every business can control. Cintas is proud to honor the Kohler Arts Center and the other finalists in this year's competition."

"The Kohler Arts Center is thrilled to be recognized by the Cintas America's Best Restroom Contest," says Ruth Kohler, the Center's director. "An important part of the Arts Center 's mission is to give artists opportunities to create major public works that they could not undertake elsewhere, and this restroom is a part of that initiative."

A visit to the Kohler Arts Center restroom is no ordinary experience. The space bursts with color and imagery that depicts a theme called "The Social History of Architecture." New York artist Matt Nolen designed and created it in six months, tile by tile, in the Arts Center 's unique Arts/Industry artist-in-residence program. The restroom's colorful theme depicts architectural styles through the ages as well as stylish portrayals of a ruler or visionary of each period, from a pharaoh to a CEO. "Where else can you use a restroom and simultaneously pretend you are a Pharaoh amongst the Pyramids, Caesar surrounded by Rome 's classical architecture, the Pontiff or a CEO?" Kohler says.

The Cintas America's Best Restroom competition began in 2002. The 2002 and 2003 winners were restrooms at the University of Notre Dame and the Grand Casino in Biloxi , Mississippi . As in the two previous years, the top five vote getters will be listed in the online Best Restroom Hall of Fame.

Nominations for the 2005 Cintas America 's Best Restroom contest can be submitted www.bestrestroom.com.