CINCINNATI - In conjunction with the release of the new Carhartt Rental Active Jacket, Cintas has launched its search for the "Cintas & Carhartt Cold Crew." Contestants can enter the contest by submitting a short essay and photo at www.cintas.com/carharttcoldcrew. 

Contest organizers are looking for workers in the U.S. and Canada whose jobs require them to withstand tough conditions in cold temperatures. These individuals are encouraged to share their stories and explain why Carhartt workwear is essential to their jobs.

Entries will be accepted through Feb. 29, 2012, at which time Cintas and Carhartt will select its Cold Crew finalists and begin public voting at the contest website. The grand prize winner will be announced in March, and he or she will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2012 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. on June 15 - 17.

The Carhartt Rental Active Jacket is available through Cintas in Carhartt brown and features a quilted flannel lining for warmth, an attached hood, two large lower outside front pockets and secure inside pockets, triple-stitched seams for added durability and a heavy-duty zipper. It is available in sizes small through 5XL.

The entire Carhartt Rental Workwear line, including the new Carhartt Rental Active Jacket, was developed exclusively for Cintas, North America's largest uniform supplier. Workers will appreciate the styling, durability and rugged performance one would expect from Carhartt with the added benefits of laundering, repair and replacement that accompany a Cintas Rental Program. Businesses can now supply Carhartt, a brand that workers recognize and trust, in a cost effective manner, while increasing morale and exuding a professional company image.

"Carhartt is synonymous with outerwear, so with colder months approaching, this was a natural addition and ideal timing," says Chuck Helmes, National Director of Garment Strategy for Cintas Corporation. "Based on the success of our Carhartt Rental Workwear line and the fact that this is one of Carhartt's best-selling items, we are confident it will be well-received."

Cintas launched the Carhartt Rental Workwear line in 2010 as part of a partnership Carhartt, which was founded in 1889 and is a global manufacturer of premium rugged apparel. The Cintas rental line also includes a Carhartt Work Shirt, a Carhartt Carpenter Jean, a Carhartt 5-Pocket Work Jean and a Carhartt Dungaree Pant.

"We look forward to the continued success of our rental work wear partnership with Cintas and are excited to offer the Carhartt Active Jacket into the Carhartt rental apparel product offering - a very popular style that our consumers know, love and trust," said Rick Fecowicz, director of Carhartt Licensing.