Sarah Trafton is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Catskill village may leave the historic face of Rip Van Winkle behind as officials look to rebrand the village and attract more businesses. Rip Van Winkle, the character from Washington Irving’s 1819 short story of the same name, has represented the village for centuries. Village officials are looking to hire a marketing agency and whether to keep Rip alive, or not is one of several decisions to be made, Village President Vincent Seeley said. Seeley is in favor of taking a new direction. “Maybe it’s time to retire the look and feel of [Rip],” Seeley said. Ultimately, the decision will be made by the full village board and following review by the public. Village board member Joseph Kozloski does not think the public would support Rip’s retirement. “I don’t know that it’s a good idea,” he said. Catskill residents are fond of the wooden Rip placed at the top of Main Street, Kozloski said. The marketing plan is in the early stages of development and, Seeley said, his vision is to expand the rebranding to the village and beyond. The improvements will do more than just attract new businesses, Seeley said. “We will build community pride,” he said. “We’re building tools for residents and taxpayers and attracting new business and new people to the community.” Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.