(TNS) -- Columbus, Ohio, is the top city in its class in its ability to attract and grow tech talent, according to an annual research report.

The report “Scoring Tech Talent,” from Los Angeles-based commercial real-estate company CBRE, ranked Columbus as the top small market among U.S. and Canadian cities and No. 23 overall.

Central Ohio’s attractiveness to tech talent doesn’t surprise local officials.

“Our smart and open business environment provides avenues for people interested in technology to enter the market,” said Don DePerro, CEO of the Columbus Chamber. “Initiatives like (entrepreneurial events) Startup Grind and GiveBackHack not only attract top talent, but also unite our tech community by empowering innovation through collaboration.”

Read the full story at govtech.com.