One has trucking in his blood while the other has a steel backbone.

Although they have different backgrounds, William J. Strimbu and Tim Jablon share a common ground when it comes to their involvement in the community. Both men were honored Thursday night by the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce at the organization's annual dinner at the Radisson Hotel of Sharon in Shenango Township.

Strimbu was named Chamber Person of the Year for his lengthy contributions to non-profit organizations and economic development activities. President of Nick Strimbu Inc. in Brookfield, Strimbu began working at his family's trucking business in 1975 in the maintenance department and was eventually promoted to traffic manager, vice president of finance and to his current post in 1994.

The Brookfield resident and father of three boys has headed numerous organizations over the years, including serving as chairman of the chamber in 1995. He is currently chairman of the Shenango Valley Industrial Development Corp. He also has or currently is on such boards as the United Way of Mercer County, Shenango Valley Foundation, Sharon Regional Health System, FNB Corp. and Subscribers Encouraging Economic Development.