Ocean City — With balloons, cake, and family, on Saturday, May 30, Renay Berman of Egg Harbor Township, and her daughter, Wendy Seymour of Dennisville, owners of the Harris House Motel, had a party in the motel lobby.

They were celebrating the motel’s 30th anniversary.

Berman found a lot available at 1201 Ocean Ave. and decided to build when her daughter was seven years old. In 1978, Harris House opened for its first season.

Ten years ago Seymour became a partner with her mom. “She worked in the motel since the time she could fold towels. She has worked her way all the way up,” said Berman about her daughter. The mother-daughter duo intends to keep the business family owned and operated. “We’re going to give it to the grandkids someday,” said Berman. “The family business lets us be very accommodating. We’re right on top of everything. If there’s a problem, we can fix it.”

“After 30 years we thought, ‘it’s time for a celebration.’ We love what we do. The years went by so fast.”