This chart comes from Calculated Risk, and it shows the ISM Non Manufacturing Index and the ISM Employment Index. 

The indices are based on surveys of purchasing and supply executives across the country.  Anything above 50 is a sign of growth in the sector.  So we saw an uptick in the rate of growth in non manufacturing that, according to Calculated Risk, exceeded expectations.  Read the Calculated Risk post here.

The ISM report notes where the growth is:

The 10 non-manufacturing industries reporting growth in August based on the NMI composite index — listed in order — are: Mining; Information; Retail Trade; Wholesale Trade; Transportation & Warehousing; Accommodation & Food Services; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Utilities; Public Administration; and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services. The five industries reporting contraction in August are: Educational Services; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Management of Companies & Support Services; Health Care & Social Assistance; and Finance & Insurance.

Read the August 2011 Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business® here.