(AP) — The South Carolina Supreme. com, tug2. Read HQ Reviews Start a Review. . Tuesday, January 7, 2014. July 23, 2021 by Weston. They have just increased the maintenance fee 10% at the Atrium - their resort in St. The state previously sued the company over allegations Festiva operated a… A class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of timeshare owners at Festiva’s Orlando Resort alleging that the resort’s developers and managers hav. 715 W Fort Macon Rd. . MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. Licensing Requirements for Timeshare Sales; Wyndham Lawsuits and Legal Actions; Festiva Under Scrutiny in NC; Festiva Timeshare Resorts Fined by Missouri Attorney General; Tenn. Attention: This form is only for owners and members that are looking to exit their Festiva or LaTour timeshare. $605 Settlement Final in Honda Takata Airbag Multidistrict Litigation. The particulars of the contract determine the precise duration; nevertheless, it is often between three and ten days. I gave $2300 downpayment, made 13 payments @ $312 each and 2 $500 maintenace fees in 1 year. One of the main reasons people want to get rid of their Sunset Group timeshares is because of the high-pressure sales tactics used by the company. You can opt from the ways below to cancel Holiday Inn Club Vacations depending on your situation: You might be able to sell your Holiday Inn Club Vacation timeshare if you find an appropriate buyer. They are fed up with paying high festiva maintenance fees and other charges. --The Finn Law Group P. Not aware of the horrors of Festiva, we almost jumped at the timeshare offer. 45 for my timeshare unit at Coconut Palms Beach Resort II in New Smyrna. Cerberus Capital Management bought Club Exploria in November 2017. Festiva Development Group - duplicity 55. Units also include a washer and dryer and screened in porch - perfect for enjoying Florida’s year. Grab your friends and family to embark on a world adventure as members of Festiva. Zealandia Holding Company, Inc? Here is the latest on the status of the settlement –. #1. 5/5. Whether due to a legal issue, change in financial situation or health condition, Finn Law Group may be able to help you now. They lied and misrepresented the timeshare. Sandcastle Owners - Please Attend Owners Meeting - April 25th. Peppertree Ocean Club A Festiva Resort offers a range of apartments in a prime location next to the Atlantic coast in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. dleavitt Thursday, October 8, 2015. DISTRICT 23-cv-81487-DMM, Allianz Life Insurance Company of. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. Answer 1 of 8: Can anyone offer personal experiece on dealing with Festiva Hospitality Group? We just signed up a couple of days ago. Consumers want to see how a business took care of business. Festiva Ordered To Issue Vacation And Timeshare Refunds Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Still, the process of cancelling the Exploria timeshare is no different to any other timeshare. Conducted first-ever, large-scale Timeshare Exit Study based on over 9,000 surveys from timeshare owners. -- A travel club in Asheville has been ordered to refund customers for failing to deliver great savings on trips. and their insurance company, Alar. After our team read through past reviews, and examining their website thoroughly, past customers stated their fees range from $1000-$4000. Jul 6, 2023. Linx Legal does not have any reviews on Trustpilot, the same goes for the Linx Legal facebook page. Festiva Orlando Resort Celebration a Ramada by Wyndham, Kissimmee: See 1,034 traveler reviews, 414 candid photos, and great deals for Festiva Orlando Resort Celebration a Ramada by Wyndham, ranked #56 of 156 hotels in Kissimmee and rated 3 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Welcome to Festiva, a family of boutique interval ownership resorts in some of the most sought after destinations in the United States and Caribbean. 2:18-cv-00319-WB, in the U. It […]To make the process simple, we have some options for you. On Google they 4. Visit Website. . This article discusses the process of cancelling a timeshare at the Playa Grande Resort in Mexico. Contact Us. ”. Here is what you need to do in order to get rid of your timeshare. 2:09-cv-02420), the U. Mike Foley of US. Rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs accused of rape, abuse by Cassie in lawsuit; New York appeals court temporarily lifts Trump gag order in civil fraud trial;. It is important to note that legal action may be taken against the timeshare owner if they do not pay the fees. (AP) — The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that timeshare owners are now able to sue developers for violations of industry regulations. Additionally, the timeshare company may be able to place a lien on your property. Festiva Stormy Point Village. welcome to the world of a place WORSE than Westgate. Festiva Development Group review: never able to use 37. S. Wesley Financial Group Ratings. al v. Apr 25, 2016 12:23 pm EDT. Bus. com, and myresortnetwork. Check Your Timeshare Contract. They lied and misrepresented the timeshare. Marketplace. The same goes for deeded timeshares if you fail to pay the maintenance fees. 833-931-6555; Home Timeshare Exit Company Reviews Escrow Helpful ArticlesGreat location! This resort features an outdoor pool with children’s play area and barbecue facilities. Festiva provides travelers with hundreds of vacation destinations spanning all budgets and interests. Attorney General Cooper Announces Lawsuit Off Festiva With Telemarketing Act Violations And Deceptive Businesses Practice. . AG sues timeshare club Festiva. US Consumer Attorneys BBB states the company has a B+ rating on the Better Business Bureau ( BBB) with a 4. Welcome to Festiva, a family of boutique interval ownership resorts in some of the most sought after destinations in the United States and Caribbean. The company has closed 2 complaints in the last 3 years, and 1 complaint closed recently in the last 12 months. in 2013, you had your rci points allocation associated with your vacation ownership interest at the festiva orlando. 7/5-star rating out of 500 positive reviews. With a comfortable set up on 110 acres of pristine Central Florida, Festiva Orlando Resort provides all the amenities necessary to cater to every vacationer out there. According to the suit, Marriott timeshare customers pay fees associated with owning real estate — such as closing costs and recording fees — but don't actually own any real estate. Since forming in 2000, Festiva has become one of the most successful privately held vacation ownership companies in the country. Rent or buy Festiva Stormy Point Village timeshare resales and rentals: Located on the shores of Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, this Festiva Resorts property features two and three-bedroom cottages, with full kitchens and flat-panel televisions. This should answer any questions concerning the value of points at Festiva resorts. 1. Hiding negative complaints is only a Band-Aid. Specialties: At Festiva Orlando Resort, we specialize in providing guests with the perfect home away from home in the Happiest Place on Earth! Featuring one, two, and three-bedroom condos, Festiva Orlando Resort is the perfect fit for every family. Jan 9, 2014. Good news if you bought a timeshare through Festiva. Festiva Resorts timeshare for sale or rent. 5/5-star rating on Google out of 82 reviews. This person might say they have a buyer waiting but need funds to close the sale first. We understand that having vacation ownership is a yearly investment and was a big decision to make for. During the month of August 2020, Newton Group filed a cease-and-desist letter in. Orlando, FL: A class action lawsuit filed on behalf of timeshare owners at Festiva's Orlando Resort alleging that the resort's developers and managers as well as RCI, a timeshare interest exchange bank, engaged in unfair and deceptive practices and racketeering has been removed to federal court. A. 15 yrs ;. General Timeshare Topics; Horror Stories - Bad experiences at Timeshares; If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Check the reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau. Contact Information. Visit Website. Festiva Orlando Resort Orlando, Florida. Hot Springs Village, AR 71909. Hire a reputable timeshare exit company. After filing numerous lawsuits against timeshare exit companies on behalf of timeshare owners, Diamond Resorts® has come away with a strong win. nothing they said was true. Once you have read and understood the terms of the contract, the next step is to file a written notice of cancellation. Slatery III today announced a $3 million settlement with Festiva, ampere networking of go and timeshares companies, for alleged violations von the federal Telemarketing Act, federal Telemarketing Sales Rule, both the Tennessee Users. Average of 22 Customer Reviews. The Tennessee Attorney General's Office announced this afternoon that it has reached a multi-million dollar settlement with the company after. fees. The case was initially filed in a California state court but was later transferred to the federal. Since forming in 2000, Festiva has become one of the most successful privately held vacation ownership companies in the country. First of all, I think it is important to understand that any legal claim involving money must be brought within a “lawyer-friendly” environment. Location. It appears that, as of now, there is no class action lawsuit against Westgate. Here, the crux of the issue will be the statute of limitations. Contact Capital Vacations directly and ask them to buy back your timeshare. These Festiva practices are not unique to Branson. Past court records show evidence that DC Capital Law has filed tons of timeshare exit lawsuits on behalf of Newton Group Customers. 699. Licensing Requirements for Timeshare Sales; Wyndham Lawsuits and Legal Actions; Festiva Under Scrutiny in NC; Festiva Timeshare Resorts Fined by Missouri Attorney General; Tenn. However, we thankfully turned them down on both of their offers. , Recent visit to ocean gate resort, St Augustine,FL was unable to sleep because of extreme and unabated loud noise from faulty a/c system Festiva Adventure Club has 116 reviews (average rating 1. Slatery III today announced a $3 million settlement with Festiva, a network of vacation and timeshare companies, for alleged violations of the federal Telemarketing Act, federal Telemarketing Sales Rule, and the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. The State of Maine recorded a case against Zealandia Capital (Festiva), stating how owners filed complaints clearly to Festiva that they got less time off when they switched to the point system. 3864 Green Mountain Dr. Our game-changing process has released over 30,000 families from their overwhelming timeshare burdens. com, redweek. You are entitled to a statement inside the purchase agreement informing you. Visit Website. The results-driven time-sharing exit program reached which apex through a series of lawsuits filed in California by the law office the Michell Reed Sussman & Associations, working on behalf of a group of timeshare owners ensure had wanted nothing extra than the complete release, cancellation and cancellation of their time-sharing activities. More importantly, it has no upfront fees and works directly with timeshare attorneys to cancel Hilton Grand Vacations. Located in historic Kissimmee, Florida, Festiva Orlando Resort is able to offer the best of both worlds, being the perfect spot for anyone on vacation who is interested in accessing big entertainment while still seeking out that home-away-from-home feel. In an industry where large, publicly held corporations have. See all property amenities. (AP) — The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that timeshare owners are now able to sue developers for violations of industry regulations. To get out of a timeshare legally, consider these options: Use the rescission period. Mike Foley of US. has filed a. No need to feel creepy—it’s a public record. This is a red flag since it displays a pattern of. com, and myresortnetwork. MF's are $385. Reported By: Ed — Jacksonville North Carolina United States of America. Review: This timeshare has been everything we expected and more. What to know before buying a timeshare 03:33. Kissimmee, FL. AUGUSTA (AP) — More than 800 Maine residents who bought timeshares for Festiva resorts are able to change the contracts as the result of a lawsuit settlement between the company and the attorney. A. Welcome to Festiva, a family of boutique interval ownership resorts in some of the most sought after destinations in the United States and Caribbean. A+ Rated. On 10/4/2022 I paid my maintenance fee dues $833. Get Rid of Your Festiva Timeshare Although Festiva does not have as many resorts as the larger, Club Wyndham, they remain a small but active fish in the timeshare pool. Yes, it is possible to sue a timeshare company, although it can be a difficult process. Tenn. ATLANTA – In a sexual harassment lawsuit filed today in the U. Premier timeshare cancel service by Linx Legal. has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of timeshare owners at Festiva’s Orlando Resort,. TUG Member. HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S. Festiva Development Group - festiva resorts misleads consumers 58. Class action lawsuits that have settled or have proposed settlements. Another Hilton Head Island timeshare company has come under fire. Timeshares for Sale Timeshare Mart Timeshares for Rent Finding Marketplace Listings Place Novel Listing Click Your Listings Search Need Listings View Control Exchange Listings How till post a listing Timeshare Weekly Calendar. The Adventure Club is Festiva’s points based timeshare membership option. We just returned from Charleston, and happened to attend a sales pitch by Festiva. 03/08/2023. Firstly, it is important to review your timeshare contract thoroughly. Average of 22 Customer Reviews. TUG has now saved timeshare owners more than $17,000,000 dollars just by finding us in time to rescind a new Timeshare purchase! A truly incredible milestone! Read more here: TUG saves owners more than $17 Million dollars. Imagine an entire team of experts working alongside attorneys. He wanted to sell timeshares. This range is relatively common in the timeshare industry. Resorts that was promised were not the resorts that were displayed. Corporate Office: 1 Vance Gap Road Asheville, NC 28805 Business Inquiries: 828-348-2512 [email protected] & Map. Last edited: Nov 29, 2008. The company has not responded to the lawsuit. Now since joining scam fac cannot use my deeded 2br unit ;fac resivation dept says i don't own enough points !##** go figure! i will join any lawsuit to fix this rotten scab 'festiva adventure club' contact bigbillf@embarqmail. Com. Festiva is a company with no morals or concerns for their owners. By Bryan Cohen. festiva resorts locations. Timeshare buyers' attorneys Joseph DuBois and Zach Naert say that many of the lawsuits that can now move forward have been stalled for more than five years. Festiva reacted by saying that they had to buy more points. Visit Website. Sunset Group, also called Sunset Hotel Group and Sunset World is a hotel management company that operates around the world. Let’s take a look at them below. Timeshare Relief, Inc. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. S. These companies have lawyers that are paid to drag the lawsuit out as long as. If you’d like to get started, feel free to fill out our form, give us a call at 1-800-610-2734, or email us at info@timesharesonly. tyH. They refused. Festiva Development Group - duplicity 55. These techniques reached their ultimate fruition in a series of lawsuits filed in California on behalf of a group of timeshare owners who wanted nothing more. PA Attorney General Reaches Agreement with Bluegreen Florida-based timeshare company will pay refunds, cancel improper contracts and change business practices HARRISBURG, PA (June 3, 2010) —. For timeshare owners and vacation travelers Timeshare Rentals; Timeshare Resales; Timeshare Exchange; Blog Archive 2016 (32)Festiva Resorts is one of the newest and most exciting brands in the vacation ownership industry, providing its timeshare owners with a wide range of different vacation solutions each year. The company mentions they strive to help those “who can longer. 7, Report #1100363. festiva timeshare lawsuits 2016. First, as the lawsuit is states a class action lawsuit, meaning that anyone who has been harmed in the event that they were a victim of negligence in this case will be able to join with others in filing suits against Festiva, Inc. There are a growing number of us unhappy owners…our complaints are to many to list here, but include: ever-rising annual maintenance fees, unavailability of resorts for booking, unsavory practices of sales reps & management, etc…. Festiva Development Group review: never able to use 37. The resort is 7 miles from Walt Disney World, which offers several themed entertainment areas. Use the rescission period to get rid of your timeshare. A. New Smyrna Beach, FL. Our vacation ownership products include stays at fine hotels, luxury resorts, and even aboard a catamaran yacht that sails the Caribbean or Mediterranean. what is flamingo worth adopt me; prospa customer login; sol wisenberg. The rescission. 27 in U. 03:09 PM. ”. With your timeshare, you have the following options: You can attempt to sell your timeshare by contacting the authorities at Westgate. The lawsuit alleges the company broke the law by not registering with the state to sell timeshares at Bluewater by Spinnaker -- its resort on Squire Pope Road -- until September 2014. Timeshare Reviews Write a Review Newest Reviews Google Timeshare Map. To help combat this growing problem, Florida Governor Rick Scott has signed a new timeshare law (the Timeshare Resale Accountability Act) giving consumers better protection against these. If you owe a mortgage on your timeshare, the cost will be higher. . com MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 DAILY BUSINESS REVIEW BROWARD U. per year. The Nevada Secretary of State lists an address for Omni Ellis at 1810 E Sahara Ave, STE 214, Las Vegas, NV 89104. Resort Reviews. Whether you’re hoping to relax and keep it low key or you’re bringing the whole family out for this season’s vacation, booking a stay in one of our upscale. . July 23, 2021 by Weston A Festiva Resort class action lawsuit is filed by a former client who is suing the company on the basis of negligence. Legitimate companies that buy timeshares do exist, but so does timeshare fraud. And They selling the room for public at "booking. Welcome to Festiva, a family of boutique interval ownership resorts in some of the most sought after destinations in the United States and Caribbean. This includes a negative impact on your credit score and the risk of being sued by your timeshare company. 1. Resolved. Keep a copy for your records. District Court of South Carolina (No. The Maine Attorney General's Office and the resort timeshare company reached the settlement in October and are now. They also have had 87 complaints in the last 12 months. has filed a. (828) 350-2105. This class action lawsuit was filed in the U. Like we said earlier, getting out of your timeshare isn’t easy. I contacted the Finn Law Group for help with a timeshare exit after interviewing three other timeshare exit companies that were not a Law Firm but 3rd parties that worked with Law Firms. Low exchange fee. , which boasts a wide array of resorts throughout the United States and Caribbean, took no action to stop a female supervisor. The state Supreme Court ruled that commission oversight doesn't preclude buyers' rights to file civil lawsuits. Tuesday, January 7, 2014; Mississippi has filed a proceedings opposes various entities operating a ‘timeshare’ press membership vacation club that allegedly employs illusory techniques to market their products, Attorney. In vain, $1000 to $4000 is by all accounts a sensible fee for a. Was a monster hiding in plain sight at a vacation resort? An inside look at the investigation into Christian Brueckner, the new suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. According to a 103 page lawsuit filed in the District Court this past summer, hundreds of class members accuse Westgate Resorts (and other participating parties *) of withholding pertinent contract information and wielding “ high pressure tactics ” to register new timeshare owners. #6. The lawsuit said Festiva used high-pressure, false and misleading sales tactics. Suite 100. V. Canceling a Festiva timeshare can be a complex process, but with the right knowledge and approach, it is possible to successfully terminate your ownership. If you’ve. The Louisiana attorney general's office tells FOX 8 it's actively investigating and pursuing consumer complaints against Festiva. 1 The Cooper action was assigned to Judge Paula Brown of the Orleans Parish Civil District Court, bearing docket number 2013–11147. Consumers who have questions about Festiva or other consumer protection matters can contact the Attorney General?s Office?s Consumer Protection Division at or by calling 1-800-436-2131 or 207-626-8849. I have a week with Escapes to Los Lagos at Hot Springs Village. There are a growing number of us unhappy owners…our complaints are to many to list here, but include: ever-rising annual maintenance fees, unavailability of resorts for booking, unsavory practices of sales reps & management, etc…. If you recently signed up for a Festiva timeshare, you lawfully reserve the option to cancel your agreement. . S. The club helps plan an entire vacation itinerary. Complaints for Festiva Design Group, Inc. On 10/4/2022 I paid my maintenance fee dues $833. , a Nevada corporation, and/or. This means a buyer can cancel a timeshare contract and get a complete refund of any money made if they change their mind within the first week of signing the contract. In an industry where large, publicly held corporations have. Festiva/Atrium Litigation information I've been asked to post the Atrium leaseholders side of the Atrium/Festiva contract dispute. There are so many scam companies out there and don't want to be a victim. Ten Attorney Generals Herbert HYDROGEN. The suit requests that Festiva be barred from advertising or contracting for any new business in Louisiana. Take a few minutes to fill out this basic questionnaire or. "First, we asked the timeshare company to buy it back," he says. Bank your week/points for up to 2 years. It’s important to note that the cost of a lawsuit can be expensive, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of doing this. Dec 27, 2009. Studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments provide flexible accommodation for groups of. ”. 3. Many of their clients state that “WFG came through and completed the task they had promised. Jul 6, 2023. Get Started. HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S. 2017 WL 6886721 at *3. Many timeshare contracts contain a retraction or rescission period. The statutes of Florida § 721. --(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Finn Law Group P. This follows a common trend that’s not limited to the. Festiva Timeshare Resorts Fined by Missouri Attorney General; No Timeshare or Class Action A lot of timeshare owners are putting together class action lawsuits against the resorts, something to be aware of is the time it will take to actually get through the lawsuit. It sounded good at the presentation but I'm finding several complaints when I'm searching for personal experiences with. Corporate Office: 1 Vance Gap Road Asheville, NC 28805 Business Inquiries: 828-348-2512 [email protected] Sued in Civil Court. Manhattan Club Lawsuit. The Right of Rescission. The results-driven timeshare exit program reached the summit through a series of lawsuits filed in California by the law office of Mitchell Reed Sussman & Associates, working on behalf of a group of timeshare owners that had wanted nothing more than the complete release, termination and cancellation of their timeshare interests. And after reading WFG Trustpilot’s profile, we have determined the company has a 4. , Oct. Reed Hein also retracted and apologized for statements made in response to the Attorney General’s lawsuit. Resolved. 2:09-cv-02420), the U. The case was initially filed in a California state court but was later transferred to the federal. To exercise your right to cancel, you must provide written notice to the timeshare company within the 10-day period. Mills commended Assistant Attorney General Linda Conti, Assistant Attorney General Carolyn Silsby and the many staff and volunteer mediators who assisted in resolution of this large case. Whether you want to experience the magic and wonder of the theme parks in Orlando with your children, or relax while strolling the beaches of the. Many other timeshare cancellation companies have a load of complaints. The timeshare industry has improved its reputation, but it still has room to improve. resort, f/k/a celebration world resort (or a former owner at festiva orlando resort, f/k/a celebration world resort and current member of the festiva adventure club); 2. Festiva Resorts Festiva did not provide the vacation that was promised. In November 2019, the company’s image was slightly tainted after its BBB accreditation was revoked due to not upholding Better Business Bureau standards. According to the suit, Marriott timeshare customers pay fees associated with owning real estate — such as closing costs and recording fees — but don't actually own any real estate. S. Points. Full List of Timeshare Scams Below. These plans, which may or may not include an ownership interest in the subject property, are arrangements by which the purchaser acquires the right to use real estate and associated facilities for a period of time during the year. A company has bought the remaining stock of unsold units, mostly on undesirable dates. Did to feature with Festiva Adventure Club transform into monetary ruin for you and your families? Know how to exit your contract! Did your presentation over Festiva Adventure League transform the monetary damage required. (252) 247-5841. The buyer of any type of timeshare can cancel the agreement within seven days of signing the agreement or seven days after receiving the legally required information concerning the timeshare, whichever comes first, according to Washington’s Timeshare Regulation ( RCW 64. An op-ed posted in the Orlando Sentinel titled "Timeshare Industry In Need of Reform" has sparked concern. This time frame is sometimes referred to as the “cooling-off. Ripoff Report on: Festiva Resorts - Festiva resorts took my money under false pretenses and timeshare priveleges away asheville north carolina. Timeshare is a great way to save money while enjoying the benefits of vacationing in different locations around the world. A shuttle service (fee) transports guests to many area attractions and theme parks. S. Ripoff Report | Complaints Reviews Scams Lawsuits Frauds Reported. 699. Festiva Management Group/Festiva Resorts/Festiva Adventure Club Festiva timeshare is fraudulent. Remember that the number of certificates that you will receive depends. Timeshare purchases involve legally binding agreements. They are all the same, and the entire industry will be brought down. The lawsuit takes aim at Marriott's points program, which replaced traditional sales of timeshare weeks at specific resorts in 2010. T. Choose short stay getaways or book a full week or even multiple weeks. Three years ago I was called and told that Festiva had purchased my resort (Blue Ridge Village) and I HAD to come to a meeting where Festiva would explain the changes that were occurring at the resort since Festiva had taken over from Wyndham. Ripoff Report Needs Your Help! DONATE NOW! X | CLOSE. 3d 1058, see flags on bad law, and search Casetext’s comprehensive legal database. B2 dailybusinessreview. This article provides legal help to those seeking to cancel their timeshare ownership. However, there is a bunch of examples below that educate you on how to avoid it. Slatery III today announced a $3 million settlement with Festiva, a web of vacation additionally timeshare companies, for claims violations of the state Telemarketing Act, federal Telemarketing Sales Rule, and the Tennessee. Additionally, their access to the timeshare may be revoked, and they may be responsible for any unpaid fees. Recission Periods by State; Licensing Requirements for Timeshare Sales; Wyndham Lawsuits and Legal Actions; Festiva Under Scrutiny in NC; Festiva Timeshare Resorts Fined by Missouri Attorney General; FESTIVA rip off. Consumers educating consumers. First, as the lawsuit is states a class action lawsuit, meaning that anyone who has been harmed in the event that they were a victim of negligence in this case will be able to join with others in filing suits against Festiva, Inc. Points. Timeshare contracts offer anywhere between 3 to 15 days to cancel a contract. Resolved. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us.