Chamber Community Comes Together for Third Annual Cleanup Effort

Caption: Volunteers gather outside Holiday Inn New London with supplies ready to take to the streets of downtown.  

New London, CT – The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, in partnership with the City of New London and sponsored by Eversource and Reworld, proudly hosted the third annual New London Community Cleanup, bringing together more than 75 volunteers in a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and neighborhood pride.

The event highlighted the community’s dedication to keeping New London vibrant and welcoming. Local businesses, community leaders, and professionals joined forces to remove litter, beautify public spaces, and reinforce civic pride across the City.

“Events like this showcase the power of collaboration and community spirit,” said Megan Gilbert, Chamber President. “By working together outside the traditional Earth Day timeframe, we’re building a lasting culture of stewardship that strengthens both our environment and our connections as a region.”

As one of the few deep-water ports between New York and Boston, New London offers a distinctive blend of maritime heritage, arts, and culture. With its scenic waterfront, historic downtown, thriving arts scene, and renowned attractions such as the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and future National Coast Guard Museum, the City continues to be an exceptional place to live, work, and visit.

Eversource Energy, a leading sponsor of the cleanup, emphasized its ongoing commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

“At Eversource, we believe energy brings us together—and that includes caring for the communities we serve,” stated Ray Collins, Manager of Government Affairs. “From supporting local cleanups like this one to advancing clean energy initiatives, we’re proud to partner with organizations like the Chamber to help create a cleaner, more sustainable future for New London.”

Eversource’s broader efforts include goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, expand clean energy solutions, and support environmental initiatives ranging from habitat protection to energy efficiency programs and volunteerism. 

Reworld, headquartered nearby in Preston, CT, also played a key role in supporting the initiative. As a leader in waste management and sustainability, the company provides end-to-end solutions designed to reduce landfill reliance and responsibly manage materials across recycling, recovery, and disposal systems.

Together, these partnerships demonstrate the region’s collective commitment to preserving New London’s natural beauty and enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike. 

About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT: 

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is one of the oldest Metro Chambers in the state, serving businesses since 1910 and championing a vibrant, sustainable regional economy through thoughtful advocacy, strategic partnerships, and innovative programming. As a collaborative network of professional and community leaders, we provide meaningful opportunities for connection, visibility, education, and engagement on the challenges and prospects shaping our region’s future. Home to the Regional Innovation Center—a hub for creativity and collaboration—we support small businesses, elevate local industries, and drive regional economic development, helping to build a thriving business ecosystem across Eastern Connecticut. For more information, visit ChamberECT.com.