MADISON, Wis. – CUNA Mutual Group ranked near the top in the InformationWeek 500, a list InformationWeek puts out on the most innovative and largest users of IT among American companies. CUNA Mutual ranked No. 2, an astounding jump from 161 in 2001. CUNA Mutual was also ranked No. 1 in the Banking and Financial Services category this year. The No. 1 spot overall went to Health Plan of New York; No. 3 went to DamilerChrysler AG; No. 4 to American Airlines; and No. 5 to Carlson Cos., Inc. InformationWeek 500 ranks companies on the basis of their innovative use of information technology, not just on spending, according to the magazine. Companies have to demonstrate a pattern of technological, procedural and organizational innovation in information technology, and be based in the U.S. with at least $1 billion in annual revenue. "CUNA Mutual has made an intense effort at enhancing our business processes with technology, enabling our customers to choose when, where, and how they do business with us," said Steve Haroldson, chief technology officer of CUNA Mutual Group.